A prevailing myth holds that modern families, characterized by high mobility and individualistic life styles, do not care for their aging members. To assess the quantity and characteristics of the care of noninstitutionalized elderly parents by their adult children, parents and adult child pairs (N=50) responded to interviews. Specific research objectives included: (1) the extent of care given to aging parents by adult children; (2) the characteristics of the caregiver; (3) the motivation for use and nonuse of available government services; and (4) the perceived need for services by aging persons and their children. Results of statistical analyses showed that 90% of the adult children reported visiting their parents at least weekly, and 88% reported spending 10 hours a week or less in task activities. General agreement existed between generations on the extent of assistance given to parents, with "being on call" and providing transportation reported frequently. Of the parent generation, 32% used some government services; of those who didn't, 84% indicated they did not need them. A large majority of parents and offspring perceived parents to be in good health. Adult children, however, were more concerned than parents about problem areas which often affect older persons, i.e., physical decline or loneliness. (WAS)