I don't know about the last part since I haven't reached that stage, but I absolutely agree with this. And this perhaps holds more true when the generational gap is too much. e.g. young people with different ideologies from their parents tend to place a lot more emphasis on their friendships than their familial ties.

Ultimately though, its all about what works best. Friendships and family is great only when the relationships are open-minded, non-judgemental, share understanding and such. It is much easier for me to express my happiness and frustrations to my friends than to my mother. But I do have friends who will talk to their parents every day and that seems to work fine for them.

Personally, I don't think it is inherently bad that this happens. Relying exclusively on familial and patrimonial ties for socializing is incredibly limiting.