102 – Interview: The Importance of Grandparents & Intergenerational Connections

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks with Kerry Byrne, PhD, a researcher and expert in aging and family caregiving, and the founder of TheLongDistanceGrandparent.com. They discuss the importance of intergenerational connections and of grandparents in particular. They cover:

• Why intergenerational connections are so important to society, and how they reduce ageism
• What we know about the grandparent-grandchild relationship
• How Kerry’s experience living abroad led to her particular interest in “long distance” grandparents
• Why grandparents are especially important, when it comes to countering ageism
• How grandparents can more easily stay connected to grandchildren, especially if they live far away
• Tips on fostering more intergenerational connections, whether that’s with family or others

Related episode: 

100 – Interview: Bill Thomas on Ageism, Housing & Changing Aging in 2019

082- Interview: Bill Thomas on Housing & Communities as Engines of Independence in Aging

Related Resources:

• TheLongDistanceGrandparent.com
  • Get Kerry Byrne’s free resource created especially for long-distance grandparents: ‘Ultimate Video Call Cheat Sheet’ 

• Blogs for grandparents recommended by Kerry Byrne:
  • GrandyCamp
  • More Than Grand
• AARP’s Grandparent Survey
• To get involved in intergenerational activities:
  •  Generations United Program Database
  • Encore.org Program Database
  • Foster Grandparents 
  • United Nations Online Volunteering Portal
  • Foster Grandparents
• Book: How To Live Forever: The Enduring Power of Connecting The Generations

Episode Transcript: The Importance of Grandparents & Intergenerational Connections