Grandchildren's Influences on Grandparents

A Resource for Integration of Older People in New Zealand's Aging Society

Bibliographic Data

ID6081297
AuthorsM Jocelyn Armstrong (0000-0002-6293-4197, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, corresponding author)
Year2005
Volume3
Issue2
Pages7-21
Publication date2005-07-15
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Intergenerational Relationships (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1535-0770 • E-ISSN: 1535-0932
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1300/j194v03n02_02
OpenAlexW1590737285
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited10

Intergenerational research examining grandparents' influences on grandchildren has a long history and has attracted expanded attention in the context of population aging. Grandchildren's influences on grandparents have remained relatively under-researched. This study draws on qualitative research of social aging in a multiethnic population of women in urban New Zealand to examine grandchildren as a resource for social integration of older people. The study uses data collected in interviews with young old women and presents the grandparents' perspective. Data analysis indicates three recurring categories of influence for integration: grandchild-grandparent socialization, social support provision, and social engagement facilitation. Outcomes for grandparent integration at multiple levels are indicated. A comparison of experience across ethnic groups shows both similarities and differences. The findings point to grandchildren as a potentially significant source of influence on grandparents. Implications for aging and intergenerational research and policy in support of social and societal integration of older people are considered. Key Words: Aging societiesgrandchild-grandparent relationshipintergenerational relationshipsNew Zealand

Developmental psychology · Grandparent · Aging and Gerontology Research · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Psychology

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