Family matters with most over-40s living within 50 miles of their immediate family

Christmas is often a time for family but most over-40s in the UK live within 50 miles of their immediate older relatives reveals new research from Partnership.

People live closest to their parents (37 miles), father-in-law (39 miles) and Grandparents (42 miles).

Some over-40s (4%) are even closer to their older relatives as they live with them.  Age appears to be a key driver for co-habitation in that the older the relative is likely to be, the more likely the person is to live with them.  A higher proportion of people live with their grandparents (9%) and their mother (8%) than their aunt or uncles (1%).

However, some families live further apart with 9% of people having older relatives who live outside the UK.  While grandparents (11%) are more likely to live outside the UK, parents (Father – 8% and Mother – 7%) are more likely to live closer to home.

With many older family members living relatively close, the over-40s are in regular contact with them with 53% claiming they see them once a week.  People are in closest contact with their mothers who they see on average twice a week.

While people may not see their older relatives every day, they do look to keep in regular contact with 67% saying they speak on the phone, 16% saying they email and 11% using text.

Thomas Kenny, Head of Technical Pricing at Partnership, said: “While Christmas is traditionally a time for family, it is excellent to see that most over-40s in the UK are in regular contact with their older relatives throughout the year.   As people age, they are likely to need more support whether it be simple things like helping with home repairs or more serious issues such as ensuring they take their medicine and eat regular meals.

“While families can generally offer this type of support up to a point, the older and frailer a person gets the more difficult it can be time-wise and emotionally.    This is certainly something that should be discussed and considered as organising for someone to have help in their home or to move into sheltered accommodation can help them to maintain their independence longer.”