Geographic Proximity and Healthy Ageing. Geographic Distance between Older Parents and Their Adult Children in the Netherlands, an Analysis of Register Data

Marieke van der Pers, University of Groningen
Clara H. Mulder, University of Groningen, Population Research Centre
Inge Hutter, University of Groningen

Distance is the strongest predictor of assistance exchange among family members. Various researchers have indicated the relation between geographic distance and support levels. ‘Living close to family members could be a way to facilitate intergenerational contact, support and care at times when the financing of public care institutions may be at risk’. Therefore, not only insight into the composition and characteristics of the elderly population is essential for understanding (future) care and support needs, but also the geographic landscape of family networks is an important phenomenon to look upon. Record linkage within register data between more than 5.5 million persons (55+), and their belonging children, allows for the investigation of geographic distance between them by age and over time. The resulting geographic landscape provides insight into the characteristics of the social support network of elderly in the Netherlands, which is essential to contribute to the understanding of healthy ageing.