The assisted living population is forecast to increase at a rapid rate. Quality of life for residents should be improved by giving greater attention to their cognitive, emotional, and social needs. A university lifespan development team provided a grandparent education course at a large assisted living facility with the assistance of 20 resident…

A rationale describes the need for societies with a lengthy lifespan to make education available that can support learning and favorable influence for a rapidly growing grandparent population. International studies drawn from varied disciplines are reviewed that make known the effects of formal education and the effects of social engagement on…

What should grandparents be expected to learn in longevity societies experiencing rapid social transformation? Grounded theory was initially applied to identify assumptions, goals and curriculum. The Grandparent Strengths and Needs Inventory was developed to record the observations of grandparent attitudes and behaviours as seen by grandparents,…

People are living longer so expectations of grandparents should be redefined. Learning for them should focus on fulfilling family and community roles to retain a sense of purpose. Grandparent education requires a willingness to learn from the observations of younger family members. The intergenerational perceptions of American grandparents were…

Guidelines for using grandparents as school volunteers include the following: identify specific tasks and volunteer interests, provide inservice training, let volunteers choose assignments and schedules, and evaluate and give recognition. Grandparent education councils can provide leadership for their involvement in schools. (SK)

Learning in a past-oriented, present-oriented, and future-oriented society is contrasted. Family viewing of television is suggested as a means of shaping the future by fostering intergenerational communication. In addition, parent-teacher-child conferences are recommended to encourage students to take responsibility for planning their future. (JDD)