Rethinking family, relationships, and wellbeing after 50

Let’s be honest—family and relationships are beautifully complicated. They don’t come with instruction manuals, and by the time we hit our 50s, we’ve likely rewritten our own relationship “rules” more than once. Parents become dependents. Children become peers. Friends become chosen family. And through it all, we evolve—emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

But here’s the good news: research from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on adult life, confirms what many of us have long suspected—deep, meaningful relationships are a powerful predictor of long-term happiness and wellbeing. Not wealth. Not status. Relationships.

That’s a powerful realization, especially in a time when society continues to redefine what connection looks like. In 2025, we’re seeing growing trends like multi-generational households, digital relationships via video calls and messaging apps, and a broader cultural understanding that family isn’t just who we’re born to—it’s who we grow with.

The double-edged sword of connection

Think about the last time you reached a personal milestone—maybe it was completing a walking challenge, booking that dream trip to Portugal, or finally sticking to your daily meditation routine. The first people you likely wanted to share it with were family or close friends. Yet sometimes, those same loved ones might respond with hesitation, judgment, or unsolicited advice.

That’s the paradox of love: those who know us best can also stir up the most complex emotions.

As we deepen our commitment to personal wellbeing in this next chapter of life, we need to ask ourselves: Who gets a voice in my journey—and who gets a say? That distinction can mean the difference between feeling supported or stifled.

The art of evolving together

Whether you’re bonding with grandchildren, navigating new relationship roles with adult children, or caring for aging parents, your connections are constantly shifting. And friendships? They may be more vital now than ever. According to experts, strong social ties in later life are linked to better cognitive health, reduced risk of depression, and overall greater wellbeing. The U.S. Surgeon General has even flagged loneliness and social disconnection as a pressing public health issue.

The takeaway: meaningful relationships—romantic, familial, platonic—matter. And not just in a feel-good way, but in a measurable, life-extending kind of way.

Now more than ever, we’re being called to have relationships that are honest rather than perfect. Ones that allow us to set boundaries, preserve our energy, and foster growth. Relationships that reflect not only where we’ve been, but who we’re becoming.

Questions worth asking

As we rethink what connection looks like in midlife and beyond, these are some of the questions we’ll be exploring:

• How do we determine who has a voice in our wellbeing journey, and who has a say?
• How do we create and maintain healthy boundaries—especially with those we love?
• How can we protect our physical and spiritual energy in relationships that are close but complicated?
• How can we reimagine relationships as a source of healing and inspiration, rather than stress or obligation?

Let’s talk — together

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there is one universal truth: when it comes to wellbeing, connection counts.

Whether you’re rebuilding trust, navigating new roles, or redefining what family means to you, we want to hear your story. How have your views on family and relationships evolved? How has that evolution shaped your wellness? What questions are still on your heart?

Because while this part of the journey may be quieter, it’s also deeper—and more powerful than ever.