The Importance of Grandparenthood During The Life Cycle in Germany

Changes in life cycle and expectation of life have resulted in a larger number of old people and therefore of potential grandparents. Today 21 per cent of our German population are over 60 years old; this rate is still increasing, so that in forty years’ time there will be 37 per cent over 60 years old (Bundesministerium für Jugend, Familie, Frauen und Gesundheit 1986). This change in population structure forces us, amongst other things, to come to a better understanding of the grandparental role.