Quality time spent with grandparents is invaluable for kids. Not only do grandparents shower them with love, indulgence, and a break from everyday routines, but this interaction also fosters a more favorable perception of aging. A recent study from the University of Liege in Belgium highlighted that kids who reported feeling “happy” or “very happy” during visits with their grandparents were less inclined to adopt ageist stereotypes.
The researchers engaged with 1,151 children aged 7 to 16 to discuss their views on aging and the elderly. They identified four key factors influencing these perspectives: gender (with girls generally holding more positive views), age (10-12-year-olds exhibiting the least ageist beliefs), the health status of grandparents (those with healthier grandparents possessing more positive views), and crucially, the quality of interactions (whether experiences were positive or negative).
It’s clear that children who enjoy healthy relationships with their grandparents develop a more optimistic attitude towards older adults and aging itself. Interestingly, the quality of these interactions proved to be more significant than the frequency; however, the most favorable attitudes were seen in 10-12-year-olds who had enjoyable interactions with their grandparents at least weekly.
This study underscores how relationships with grandparents can shape children’s perceptions of all elderly individuals and their own aging process. For parents whose children may not connect well with their grandparents, it can be beneficial to introduce positive elderly role models. For instance, watching classic shows like The Golden Girls can help foster a more positive outlook on aging.
Stephane Adams, a co-author of the study, noted, “For many children, grandparents are their first and most frequent contact with older adults. Our findings suggest that grandparents can play a vital role in intergenerational programs aimed at combating ageism.” Future research will aim to delve deeper into making interactions with grandparents more rewarding for grandchildren, as well as studying the impacts of living with or caring for grandparents.
Children fortunate enough to enjoy quality time with their grandparents reap numerous benefits. The added advantage of fostering a more positive attitude towards aging within society is indeed the cherry on top.
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In summary, nurturing relationships between children and grandparents is essential not only for family bonding but also for cultivating a healthier societal perception of aging.
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