Children urged to ask questions

Children in Yorkshire have no knowledge or interest in what their grandparents did for a living, or what they used to do before they retired, according to the results of a new survey.

A poll of 1,000 young people aged five to 18 has revealed more than half (59 per cent) of those polled in Yorkshire have never spoken to their grandparents about their proudest achievements, with the majority (57 per cent) reasoning they’d simply never thought to ask them.

More than 39 per cent admitted they didn’t know whether their grandparents have any special skills or talents, while more than a third 35 per cent of the under nine’s polled in Yorkshire said they had no idea what their grandparents had done for a career.

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The research, which was carried out by retirement housebuilder, McCarthy & Stone, revealed 46 per cent of grandparents live just 15 minutes away and the majority of children actually see their grandparents quite regularly. Almost two thirds of children see their grandparents every week (60 per cent) and 37 per cent speak to them weekly, while 9 per cent see their grandparents daily.

Less than one in five said their grandparent was inspirational – 43 per cent of the children polled in Yorkshire most look up to their mum. Dad comes second with 35 per cent, while just 3 per centlook up to a grandparent.

However, according to the poll, the younger generation still has a lot of love for its elders. More than half described their grandparents as loving, friendly or kind. It seems older definitely means wiser, with 58 per cent saying their grandparent was good at giving advice, and the same number saying they were a good listener (58 per cent).

Geoff Bates, Head of Brand and Communications for McCarthy & Stone, said: “We find it really surprising that the younger generation is not benefitting from the knowledge and capabilities of their grandparents.

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“We want to shout about the amazing feats retirees have achieved in their lifetime and put the spotlight on the wonderfully colourful lives of today’s older people.

“We are calling on parents and children to talk to their grandparents, find out what they have done in their lives – and continue to do, and tell us all about it so we can give them the credit they deserve.”

TV and radio personality, Gloria Hunniford, who along with her husband, have ten grandchildren between them, is lending her support to McCarthy & Stone’s Inspirational Generation campaign.

She said: “I absolutely love being a grandparent, and I am incredibly lucky to have a family who are forever asking lots of questions – both about my past and the things I’m up to now.”

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Gloria added: “I love watching their reactions when I tell them stories going back to my youth. It really is lovely to take them with me down memory lane from time to time.

“I would urge people of all generations to get talking. Next time you see your grandparents, ask them about their past and what they got up in their younger days.

“I’m pretty sure they will have a fascinating and inspiring story to tell, and they will be thrilled to be able to share it with you. And, I’m sure you’ll be equally thrilled to nominate them for an inspirational award!”

McCarthy & Stone has launched a national search to find the unsung heroes of the baby boomer generation in a bid to honour their achievements. The top prize is £2,000. Find out more at www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/inspirational.

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