Abstract
79 retired persons in the third-age university were asked about their relationships with their grandchildren and relationships in general. The ages of the 63 women and 16 men ranged from 54 to 82 years (M of 66 years); 62% were married, 28% divorced or widowed, 61% lived with spouse, 34% lived alone, 4% with their adult children, and only one person in an old-age home. The average number of grandchildren was three. Analysis showed relations with their grandchildren were judged as very good or good (91%). The grandparenting role was diverse: the grandparent gave a grandchild love or affection, care, shelter, life experience, moral values, company, closeness, trust, aid, and support. The grandchild benefitted from the relationship affectively, cognitively, and materially. The grandchild gave a grandparent joy, inspiration, tenderness and love, contentment, life attitudes, closeness and company, and hope and faith for the future.
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