Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Let’s Celebrate The Role Of Older People In Our Lives
Grandparents play an important role in our lives. That’s why we celebrate them with their own special day - Grandparents’ Day, which is this Sunday (October 5th).
Research shows that having a grandparent figure in their lives can benefit children’s mental health and well-being and reduce behavioural problems. Grandparents bring wisdom acquired over many years, a different perspective and the teaching of skills like cooking, sewing and repairing things.
For older people, spending time with grandchildren brings a fresh outlook, keeps them active and can teach skills they might not know, like working with technology. It can also reduce isolation, especially for those who usually live alone.
Sadly, not all families experience the joy that grandparents can bring. Some may have lost their own grandparents, or be estranged from them, or may simply live too far away to have regular contact. Similarly, not all older people have their own grandchildren or get to spend time with them.
That’s where GrandFriends comes in. GrandFriends is a small charity tackling big issues like loneliness and isolation.
We connect families and older people across New Zealand so they can create their own special relationships. People can connect online via our members' platform and in person if they wish.
This Grandparents’ Day, we hope that we can foster even more connections so that more people can experience the joy of love across generations.
ABOUT GRANDPARENTS’ DAY
Grandparents’ Day in New Zealand has been celebrated at the beginning of October since 2018. It’s a chance to celebrate grandparents across the country. It is also celebrated internationally at various times throughout the year. You can find out more, including resources on how to celebrate, on our website: https://newzealandgrandparentsday.org/
ABOUT GRANDFRIENDS
At GrandFriends, we work to bring together families who don’t have their own grandparents with older people looking for some company to help combat loneliness and develop support networks. Our members-only platform allows people to connect online and chat with people across New Zealand. Members can also arrange to meet up in person if they wish to develop a closer relationship. As a charity, we rely on grants and donations to continue working to create these relationships across New Zealand. You can find out more about GrandFriends on our website: www.grandfriends.nz
Gordon Campbell: On Children’s Book Classics - The Moomins
Nelson City Council: Mayor Welcomes Auditor-General Decision Not To Prosecute Councillor
Johnnie Freeland: Ko Tātou Tātou - Climate Action In Aotearoa Begins With Relationship
Zero Waste Network Aotearoa: Container Return Scheme Bill Would Double Recycling Rates And Put Money Back In Households
Wellington City Council: Statement From The Wellington Mayoral Forum On Options For Regional Governance Reform
MUNZ: TAIC Report On Kaitaki Incident Gives Shocking Picture Of Decline Of NZ Maritime Infrastructure
Greenpeace: New Climate Report Yet More Reason To Reduce Dairy Herd
