In the Spanish context, families often act as a cushion by supporting the youngest workers with housing and assistance.

cushion 的本义是"垫子、软垫"，引申为"缓冲物、缓解冲击的东西"。在这个句子中用作比喻，表示家庭像垫子一样减轻年轻人面临的社会压力。