Growing up, our parents might have encouraged independence, but new challenges today show that proximity still matters. A recentWall Street Journal article highlights a vital but often unseen asset: grandmothers who live close by and actively share their experience and love while balancing their own work and lives.

When families position their older and younger generations within reach—rather than miles apart—they build more than convenience. They create resilience, foster learning, and deepen intergenerational connections. That nearby grandmother who offers a helping hand or midday meal is part of something far greater.

Why Nearby Generations Matter

Emotional Support for All Ages
 Having grandmothers nearby creates a built-in support network. Parents get relief, kids feel secure, and grandparents find renewed purpose. TheWall Street Journal article points out that many women who once were criticized for working now provide the kind of care and guidance they wished they’d had during their own parenting years.

Sharing Life Lessons Across Ages
 Grandmothers bring wisdom accumulated over decades. From homework tips to big life decisions, their insights foster empathy and personal growth for younger generations. Intergenerational relationships also help counter isolation for older adults, which studies show is linked to better mental health and longevity (National Institutes of Health).

Bridging Work and Family Needs
 Modern families, often called the “sandwich generation,” juggle caring for children and aging parents simultaneously. In 2023, anAARP study estimated over 11 million Americans support both generations at once. Proximity helps ease the load, providing practical and emotional relief when schedules collide.

Ways to Foster Intergenerational Proximity

Encourage Deliberate Proximity
 Families can explore creative housing solutions—renting nearby units, building accessory dwellings, or choosing neighborhoods with extended family in mind. The goal isn’t necessarily living together but staying close enough to connect meaningfully.

Establish Regular Shared Time
 Even simple traditions like weekly dinners, shared walks, or story times create a rhythm of connection. For families farther apart, scheduled video calls can still nurture relationships.

Create Meaningful Roles
 Grandparents can offer hands-on help—tutoring, cooking, or mentoring—or even share skills like gardening or crafting. These roles strengthen bonds and give children a deeper appreciation for family history and values.

Support Flexible Contributions
 Many grandparents balance work with caregiving. Flexibility, whether part-time help or shared responsibilities, honors their schedules while benefiting the entire family. As highlighted by theWall Street Journal article, today’s grandmothers are often still part of the workforce, yet willing to step in when families need them most.

Tools and Resources for Staying Connected

• Nextdoor: Connects neighbors and helps extended families coordinate community support.
• Care.com: Useful for arranging trusted child care or elder care backup.
• VolunteerMatch: Great for grandparents and younger generations to find meaningful community activities together.
• Google Calendar: Helps families coordinate visits, caregiving shifts, and shared events effortlessly.

Backed by Research

Research consistently shows that intergenerational contact improves mental well-being and strengthens family cohesion. Studies from theJournal of Intergenerational Relationships highlight how proximity fosters emotional security for children and purpose for older adults. Likewise, older adults who remain engaged with family are shown to have better physical and cognitive health outcomes (American Psychological Association).

A Family Legacy Built on Closeness

Keeping families close doesn’t just help with childcare or household logistics—it builds resilience, love, and belonging across generations. Grandmothers who live nearby become anchors of stability, mentors, and nurturers, passing on traditions and life lessons that shape future generations.

Join the Conversation

What about your family?

• Do you live close to grandparents or extended relatives? How has that shaped your family dynamics?
• If you live far apart, what creative ways have you found to maintain meaningful connections?
• What lessons or traditions have older generations shared that continue to inspire you?

Share your thoughts and experiences with our community atAge Brilliantly Forum. Your story might inspire someone else to reconnect, move closer, or simply pick up the phone to strengthen those timeless intergenerational bonds.