The purpose of this paper is to provide a new perspective on the importance of grandparenting relationships and to highlight the continuing importance of intergenerational exchange across the life course.
The paper draws on research from diverse fields including child welfare, gerontology and demography and journalistic sources, presenting an evidenced argument of the importance of grandparenting in contemporary families.
The paper argues that the role of grandparents in family life is becoming more important as a result of demographic changes, and that grandparents offer a huge resource to families. Older people generally find their role as grandparents rewarding and that this contributes to wellbeing and reduced risk of loneliness.
The paper provides a new perspective on the role of older people as grandparents.
