Kids are now hovering over older parents
NEW YORK: Forget helicopter parents — in the era of COVID-19, it is adult children who are now doing the hovering, according to new research. The study found four in five adult children were increasingly conscious of their parents’ health, wellbeing and vulnerability.
One in five of the 1200 respondents in the survey, commissioned by retirement village operator Stockland, reported their relationship with their parents and family had improved since the onset of COVID-19.
Forty-two per cent said they now felt closer to their parents while 63 per cent said they were making more of an effort to stay in touch.
Psychologist and well-being expert Sarah Cotton said the results showed that life priorities had shifted in the wake of the pandemic with many now placing a greater emphasis on a sense of connection with family.
“Spending months apart from loved one has rein-forced the importance of family and for Australians to consciously and proactively keep in touch, especially with older parents,” Dr Cotton said.
Stockland Retirement Living Communities general manager Kirrily Lord agreed there had been a shift t in focus.
“We’re also seeing more Australians play an active role in supporting their parents’ retirement decisions in order to help safeguard their health, independence and connectedness,” she said.
“It seems that adult children are now looking out for their parents more, just as their parents traditionally have looked out for them.”
While children see the security and safety of their parents as the number one priority (30 per cent), soon-to-be retirees and retirees view living close to family as the most important thing.
For Daniel and Helen Lee, a desire to be nearer son Michael and his family motivated them to relocate from Stockland’s Highlands Village in Craigieburn to Salford Retirement Village in Aberfoyle Park, SA.
“If we need help or get sick, it’s nice that my son is only five minutes down the road,” 78-year-old Mr Lee senior said.
“We’ve always been close but having him within arm’s reach is really important to us.”
Michael, too is pleased to have them closer, saying he now has “peace of mind”.