Relations of Retired People and Their Grandchildren

Abstract

79 retired persons in the third-age university were asked about their relationships with their grandchildren and relationships in general. The ages of the 63 women and 16 men ranged from 54 to 82 years ( M of 66 years); 62% were married, 28% divorced or widowed, 61% lived with spouse, 34% lived alone, 4% with their adult children, and only one person in an old-age home. The average number of grandchildren was three. Analysis showed relations with their grandchildren were judged as very good or good (91%). The grandparenting role was diverse: the grandparent gave a grandchild love or affection, care, shelter, life experience, moral values, company, closeness, trust, aid, and support. The grandchild benefitted from the relationship affectively, cognitively, and materially. The grandchild gave a grandparent joy, inspiration, tenderness and love, contentment, life attitudes, closeness and company, and hope and faith for the future.