Impacts of longevity on the multigenerational family

Abstract This article aims at getting to know the impact of longevity on the multigenerational family, and it is a result of the survey "The multigenerational family in Caxias do Sul", carried out in the Working Group on Aging of the University of Caxias do Sul, from 2004 to 2006. Sampling consisted of 27 multigenerational families in the municipality of Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil, with the participation of three people from different generations of the same family, representing 81 people who make up an intentional, oriented and convenient sampling. Methodology used was content analysis and dialectical approach. Survey results intend to contribute to the discussion of the problems the family faces when living with elderly people, and the difficulties the latter have in living together with their family. To know these challenges and propose alternatives to face them in order to qualify people's relationships individually and in the family itself as an institution is a necessity regarded as relevant.