Family as a cornerstone of later life
The importance of family in later life is undeniable. After the age of 65, family ties remain one of the strongest pillars for wellbeing, independence and happiness. According to the Vidas 60+ study, family is not only a source of emotional and practical support but also a key influence on lifestyle, consumer choices and leisure activities.
The study highlights two essential roles that family plays in the life of older adults:
- Family as support: offering financial help, day-to-day organisation and emotional stability.
- Family as influence: recommending services, suggesting habits, inspiring activities and guiding decisions.
Ageing well therefore depends not only on personal autonomy but also on the continued presence of family.
Family support in ageing
Family support in ageing is evident in everyday situations: accompanying medical appointments, helping with household tasks, organising holidays or simply sharing time together. Children and grandchildren often encourage older relatives to try new services, adopt healthier habits or explore cultural activities.
At the same time, seniors remain central to the family unit. They often help care for grandchildren, provide financial support or share life experience that guides the younger generations. This intergenerational exchange strengthens family bonds and contributes to emotional balance for older adults.
Online searches reflect this reality: terms such as family support for seniors, intergenerational relationships and spending time with grandchildren are increasingly common. This shows the need to combine independence with family closeness.
Family and seniors’ wellbeing
The presence of family has a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of older adults. Regular interaction with children and grandchildren is associated with lower levels of loneliness and a greater motivation to stay active.
Research shows clear benefits of family involvement in later life:
- Reduced risk of social isolation.
- Emotional and cognitive stimulation through intergenerational contact.
- Better adherence to healthcare and prevention, when supported by family.
- A stronger sense of belonging and purpose, both vital for longevity.
- The importance of family in later life therefore goes far beyond emotional comfort – it is a key factor for healthy, balanced and fulfilling ageing.
The role of Club65 in strengthening family bonds
At Club65, we believe that ageing well means maintaining independence while staying connected to what matters most: family.
Our concept was designed to combine senior autonomy with intergenerational living, creating a place where residents enjoy freedom without losing family closeness:
- Modern, comfortable apartments that guarantee privacy while welcoming children and grandchildren.
- Shared spaces designed for family gatherings, celebrations or relaxed time together.
- Intergenerational events and programmes that encourage the sharing of stories, traditions and experiences across generations.
Club65 is more than a residence, it's a space where family remains present, and ageing is lived with joy and connection.
Living better with family by your side
Later life becomes richer and more meaningful when independence and affection go hand in hand. Freedom to choose how to live is essential, but the support and presence of family give every stage of life a deeper sense of purpose.
That is why, at Club65, we create the right conditions for residents to maintain their independence without losing the bond with their families. We believe the importance of family in later life is undeniable: to age well is also to live surrounded by those who matter most.
Source: Vidas 60+ – Consumer Intelligence Laboratory (C-Lab, 2025).
C-Lab – The Consumer Intelligence Lab was founded in 2010 by Return on Ideas, Ipsos Apeme, and Augusto Mateus & Associados. Its research focuses on understanding consumers as agents of social change. It has conducted over 600 in-person interviews, 100 home visits, and approximately 20,000 online and telephone surveys, making the Vidas 60+ study one of the most comprehensive references on aging in Portugal (clab.com.pt).
