Nearly 9 out of 10 adult grandchildren feel their grandparents influenced their values and behaviors.
Grandparents transmit to their grandchildren the values and norms of social order.
Without such intergenerational continuity, some theorists say the stage is set for conflict and disruptive change, not only within the family but also within the broader society. By the year 2020, one in every six Americans will be over 65. For the first time in history, there will be more people of grandparent age than children and youth. These older adults can have a tremendous impact on society by choosing to be active grandparents and mentor younger generations. Most of today's grandchildren will have most or all of their grandparents survive at least during part of their childhood and adolescence, and many will have surviving grandparents well into their adult years.