The bond between grandparents and grandchildren is unique, yet often fleeting due to the age gap. However, even limited time together can leave a profound impact. Francesca Falzarano, assistant professor of gerontology at the University of Southern California, emphasizes that older adults should not underestimate how much younger generations value their wisdom. “Older adults just assume that young ones don’t want to listen to them,” she says, “but they really can’t diminish how much younger adults appreciate the wisdom that comes with sharing one’s story.”
Consistency Matters More Than Grand Gestures
Grandchildren remember how regularly you showed up for them. Neal K. Shah, CEO of CareYaya, notes that one-on-one quality time allows grandparents to enter the grandchild’s world more effectively than parents often can. A 2025 study found that young grandchildren with involved grandparents demonstrated higher resilience, as grandparents acted as “stress-buffers” in families, especially when mothers were stressed. Falzarano stresses that consistent interactions—like morning texts or sharing photos—matter more than occasional long calls.
Sensory Details Create Time Travel
Smell and music are powerful memory triggers. Falzarano explains that sensory details, such as a grandparent’s perfume or the scent of their cooking, can make memories feel like “time travel.” Grandchildren may vividly recall specific sights, like a yellow house or red nail polish, as if reliving the moment.
Sharing Life Stories Leaves a Legacy
Shah observes that grandchildren often remember rich stories of grandparents’ major life experiences. He encourages older adults to share their life story orally or in writing, which is therapeutic for cognition and mood. Simple activities like flipping through photo albums can spark meaningful conversations.
A 2025 survey of 514 young adults aged 18–29 found that those who felt supported by a grandparent in early childhood scored higher in emotional well-being, even if the grandparent passed away before they reached adulthood or if they were not close to their parents. Support was measured by sharing life details and receiving emotional advice.
Grandparents should know they have the power to make a lasting difference. As Falzarano concludes, “Young ones can really learn a lot from their life experience.”
