There are a number of problems with your proposal. For example, many elders do not have family members living nearby because of career and other obligations. So

There are a number of problems with your proposal. For example, many elders do not have family members living nearby because of career and other obligations. Some do not have children or living relatives who are young enough or have enough free time to help out (if there is only one breadwinner and two elders, for example). In addition, changing culture takes generations but the number of elders who needs help will grow quickly in the upcoming decades. Japan is already facing the problem [1] and the rest of the developed world are following closely behind. [1] http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31901943 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31901943 (Note: I didn't downvote you.)