The family as a primary source of social support is very important in promoting active and healthy aging. Increased life expectancy may create multigenerational kinship networks to provide family continuity and emotional support when needed. These multigenerational families are characterized by cross-generational reciprocity and interdependence – grandparents and grandchildren sharing over three decades of life and bond (Hooyman & Kiyak, p.345).
Grandparenting is an evolving role affected by social changes such as “women in labour force, distance, divorce, remarriage, reconstituted families and international adoption that have seriously altered the classic family structure and the challenges of grandparenting” (NACA, 2005. p1). …show more content…
It can be expressed in several ways, from raising a child to paying for college to cooking meals to attending school recitals and recreational activities. (psychology.wikia.com). Psychologist Erik Erikson developed the term generativity to describe the task of grandparents and other adults in raising and contributing to the well-being of the next generation of children. When older adults become parents, the step into the role of mentors to the new generation to nature and guide (Brotherson et al, the Art of Grandparenting, …show more content…
Both concepts however promote active and healthy aging. Older adults with better social network experience better emotional, mental and physical health; those who guide and nuture the younger generation derive satisfaction and motivation which also enhances the aging process. Both concepts are also useful in understanding grandparenting today as they underline the approaches and styles of grandparenting.
Transition to grandparenthood now occur in midlife resulting in variation in age of grandparents, grandparenting approach and motive although it has been reported that the prime significance of grandparenting is biological renewal and/or continuity and emotional self fulfillment (Hooyman & Kiyak, p.361). While younger grandparents tend to use the involved or authoritative style of grandparenting, older grandparents use the remote and individualized