For years, studies have shown that children who take part in family dinners are less likely to drink, smoke or do drugs.
They also do better in school.
But it turns out those family meals can also feed the needs of seniors, as well.
The McDevitts of Havertown have a longstanding tradition of weekly dinners with their children and grandchildren.
"It used to be every Thursday night but now it can a Sunday night or whenever you can get the whole group together," says Betty McDevitt.
"Oh, I think it keeps us all connected," said John, Betty's husband.
And the folks at Home Instead Senior Care say it's a practice that delivers enormous benefits to older adults.
"They get more socialization which keeps their minds sharper, they get more nutrition which keeps their body healthier," said Stephen Levin of Home Instead Senior Care.
That's why Home Instead has launched "The Sunday Night Dinner Pledge" which asks families to commit to monthly get-togethers. For each pledge they receive, the company will donate a dollar to Meals on Wheels.
027F, 14:18:15
"One of the things that seniors say is that they're not hungry anymore and that they don't want to eat," said Mindy Mozenter, Director of Community Outreach. "This also gives you a chance if you go there to take a meal, that you're checking their refrigerator to make sure that they have food in their home that's not spoiled and that is edible."
You can sign up at SundayDinnerPledge.com. The site also includes simple recipes and fun family activities.
For Betty McDevitt, family dinners bring back fond memories of her own childhood.
"My mother spent her whole day Sunday in the kitchen. After church she was in the kitchen. Nothing was gotten from a bakery, everything was homemade, there were roasts. And anyone who happened to be in the neighborhood could just drop in and have a good dinner," recalls Betty.
If distance is an issue, you can Skype a family dinner.
"I think it's very important. It gets the three generations together," said Eileen McKeever of Havertown. "Everybody tries to find out what everyone else is doing. My parents find out what the children are up to at any given time."
"They're from a different generation. Its' nice to have different perspectives at the table," said Tim McKeever.
"It's not what you're eating, it's the fact that you're together," said Betty.