Education for grandparents in longevity societies

Abstract

What should grandparents be expected to learn in longevity societies experiencing rapid social transformation? Grounded theory was initially applied to identify assumptions, goals and curriculum. The Grandparent Strengths and Needs Inventory was developed to record the observations of grandparent attitudes and behaviours as seen by grandparents, parents and grandchildren. This research report describes (a) an educational intervention programme that confirmed grandparents are able to improve relationships with family members, (b) protocols for application by support groups of grandparents raising their grandchildren, (c) a model for education of assisted living residents with reliance on indigenous leadership, and (d) methods to determine strengths and learning needs grandparents in particular cultures have in common. Grandparent courses have been offered in public schools, universities, libraries, senior centres, and religious institutions and emphasize (a) conversation agenda for grandparents to explore with individual grandchildren and their parents, (b) awareness of the challenges parents encounter and ways to help them attain their goals, and (c) learning about grandchild experiences from infancy through early adulthood.