What term describes families that maintain emotional and physical contact despite not living in the same area or household?

The term that best describes families that maintain emotional and physical contact despite not living in the same area or household is "modified extended family." This concept recognizes changes in family dynamics and structures in modern society, allowing for relationships that transcend geographical boundaries.

In a modified extended family, members may live separately but still engage with one another emotionally and occasionally physically through visits or digital communication. This contrasts with more traditional structures, where extended family typically means living in close proximity or sharing a household.

This option reflects how contemporary families can adapt and maintain strong ties in a world where mobility is common, and familial relationships can be upheld across distances. Reasons why this structure is significant include the rise of individualism, changing work patterns, and advances in communication technology, which enable families to stay connected regardless of physical distance.