Extended families

In this area there are a large number of families who have mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, siblings and cousins all living within 10 miles of each other.
This is quite unusual in the UK today and only really happens in rural communities or in poor inner city areas.
This got me thinking about how our society has changed. I also wondered about whether the extended family network of past centuries is actually better than the situation we have now where people move quite readily to other towns or cities. None of our 3 children live close to us, or even that close to one another. It has its challenges of course.
When my daughter had a baby this year, I wanted to be closer. I know there have been times when she has wished that we could be round the corner to do some babysitting when she feels exhausted! I remember feeling that way too when the children were little, as my mother and father never lived that close.
I guess so much depends on the family and the way it operates. I have heard some women with extended families nearby complaining at the lack of privacy. I can certainly see that it can get claustrophobic at times. And what if the family is an abusive family, or one in which adult "children" are still treated like children? It's great to have people to lean on when things are tough, but does that sometimes cross over into over-dependence and an unwillingness to shoulder responsibility oneself?
With the boot on the other foot, families spread far and wide lack the support that extended families can bring.Our modern society can be a lonely place, where it seems everyone is too busy to build valuable and lasting relationships. If you are struggling with tempestuous teenagers or struggling in your marriage, it can be hard to know who to share it with. Extended family would fulfil that role- possibly- perhaps... or maybe not.
I actually think that, for me, living at a distance from my children forces me to allow them to be adults. We have a good relationship and enjoy spending time together when we can, but I wouldn't want to have any of them living with us now. We are enjoying our freedom too much!
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts an dexperiences of living close to or far from parents and siblings.

As an aside, I feel that the English language is lacking a word. There should be a word to use for "grown-up children" so that when you talk about your children, people don't assume you mean 10 year olds!  What about chadults- which combines children and adults? Any suggestions?