Why over half of Americans say their parent is their best friend

This story version has been formatted as an on-air script for broadcast outlets. See the original research story here.

OVER HALF OF AMERICANS SAY THEIR PARENT IS THEIR BEST FRIEND, ACCORDING TO NEW RESEARCH.

THAT’S ACCORDING TO A NEW SURVEY OF 2,000 AMERICANS AGED 40 AND OLDER, WHICH REVEALED THAT 58 PERCENT SAY THEY FEEL CLOSER TO THEIR PARENTS NOW MORE THAN EVER BEFORE.

CONDUCTED BY TALKER RESEARCH ON BEHALF OF COMFORT KEEPERS AHEAD OF THE NATIONAL DAY OF JOY ON JUNE 26, THE SURVEY REVEALED WHAT PEOPLE ENJOY MOST ABOUT THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR PARENTS WHO ARE IN THEIR ‘GOLDEN YEARS.’ 

THAT INCLUDES THINGS LIKE SHOPPING TOGETHER (33%), TRYING NEW RESTAURANTS (26%) AND TRAVELING TO PLACES THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN BEFORE (16%).

SOME ARE ENJOYING CONCERTS TOGETHER (6%), WITH THE MOST POPULAR OPTIONS ON THEIR BUCKET LISTS TO SEE THE ROLLING STONES (17%), USHER (12%) AND TAYLOR SWIFT (11%).

HALF (50%) SAID THOSE THINGS IMPROVED THEIR LOVED ONE’S MOOD AS A RESULT AND 64 PERCENT SAID THAT THEIR PARENTS ARE KEEPING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE ABOUT AGING.

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans aged 40+ was commissioned by Comfort Keepers between April 8 and April 15, 2024. It was conducted by market research company Talker Research, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).