Features of family relationships have major implications for individual well-being in late life. The presence of family in social networks, support exchanges, and quality of social interactions have all been identified as predictors of health. Less is known, however, about daily experiences that may link family relationships and well-being, particularly as individuals age. The experience of stressors on a daily basis (e.g., pain, disability) create additional challenges; family relationships may protect older adults from suffering when experiencing such stressors. The four papers selected for this symposium examine how family ties improve (and sometimes benefit or protect) daily well-being across adulthood.

Objectives

a. To better understand how family relationships are associated with daily emotional well-being (i.e., daily mood and affect) among older adults. b. To learn about how family relationships may protect older adults from suffering when experiencing stressors. c. To demonstrate how family ties improve (and sometimes benefit or protect) daily well-being across adulthood.