Family is potentially a major support system for people of all ages. It can become particularly study, this article explores the con. longitudinal important for elders. On the basis of a 25-year functioning at parents' midlife to elderly parents influence of the quality of the midlife physical and m tributions of family system health. Findings support the significant family between elderly parents and their adult children. Positive life cycle stage on later life relationships with their adult children were important for both elderly pa well-being. Fre- both for their well-being and for their relationships quency of contact with children was important for physical health. Key words: adult child-elderly parent relationsbip, family, health, well-being