The world is aging, we've been talking about it for some time, but now we are REALLY entering the era in which grandparents certainly won't limit themselves to telling stories and baking biscuits. They will return to a pivotal role by becoming the primary caretakers of their grandchildren, and this will have a significant impact on society.
Since 1960, the number of grandparents has tripled thanks to the increase in life expectancy: they now represent the 20% of the world population. And forecasts indicate that by 2050 one in four people will be a grandparent.
Grandparents play a vital role in supporting those who work, especially female workers. Data shows that the presence of a grandparent increases a woman's likelihood of employment. For example, grandparents' availability for childcare increases the participation of mothers in the labor force of 9%. Grandparents become actively engaged in their grandchildren's lives, with a significant percentage of children spending time with them each week.
In Italy, grandparents who take care of their grandchildren there are 12 million, a fact that underlines the importance of this phenomenon.
Grandparents in the Round: Benefits and Challenges
Of course, not everything is rosy. Children raised primarily by grandparents tend to face more emotional and behavioral problems (not the grandparents' fault, but often the circumstances that require their care).
For grandparents themselves, spending time with grandchildren can reduce feelings of depression and loneliness: however, some may feel obligated to provide care, and the responsibility may become more demanding with age. A good percentage of grandparents who care for their grandchildren report an increase in physical stress: a phenomenon also known asslave grandfather syndrome".
What does this change hold for us?
The increase in the population of grandparents makes it necessary to delve deeper into the possible implications and nuances of this trend. Factors such as generational identity, life circumstances, and changing expectations for longevity and retirement will greatly influence the role and impact of grandparents in society.
Economically, will significantly increase demand for affordable childcare that could be met in innovative formats, potentially including the employment of older adults.
Companies they could also consider implementing policies that support employees balancing work with caring for aging parents, such as flexible work schedules or elder care benefits. Startups like “UAF – Un Amico di Famiglia” seem to respond to this trend. UAF is a platform which connects older people with young people, creating an intergenerational support network. Ditto for cohousing initiatives that bring grandparents and grandchildren together "de facto": in the USA they grow from year to year.
Governments and public bodies They must prepare for this demographic shift: support that could include improving public transportation for older adults, expanding health services, or creating community programs that promote social interaction among older adults.
Grandparents, the new superheroes of the 21st century
In conclusion, grandparents are no longer just the adorable emotional figures of our childhood. They are becoming the silent superheroes of the 21st century, supporting work and playing a crucial role in raising their grandchildren. The age of grandparents will bring with it challenges and changes, but also new opportunities and potential benefits for society as a whole.
For this, guys, the next time you see grandma or grandpa, remember to thank them: they are the keepers of your future.
