Abstract

Family relationships of cooperation and emotional closeness between aged parents and their children are a crucial issue in a country where longevity increases. The evidence presented in this article supports that the bases of family cohesion are existing affective commitment among its members and cooperation that creates mutual expectations and routines that reinforce the family union. The family of procreation – couple and childrens- is the closest household, which means that when children form their own families, their parents take second place. This may jeopardize the eventual support of those aging parents who require care. Moreover when a low adherence to the rule of family obligation and its replacement by a personal commitment, generated along family history and individual was observed.