A study of 1,000 adults found more than half regularly speak to their grandparents via mobile, often asking for advice and tips on a range of topics.
Gen-Z are turning to their grandparents for advice on everything from cooking family recipes to gardening, according to a new study. The research found that more than half of young people rely on their grandparents for guidance several times a month or more, seeking their wisdom on topics such as plant care, knitting and making homemade soup.
Interestingly, many Gen Z individuals also seek more profound life advice from their grandparents, including relationship guidance. With three quarters of the surveyed grandparents now online, it is easier than ever for the younger generation to reach out to them for their wisdom.
The study was commissioned by Three and its digital skills training programme, Three Discovery, ahead of Silver Sunday (Oct 5th) – a national day to celebrate over 60s, as it will be hosting free digital training sessions in stores to help older people get more from their smartphones to stay connected.
A spokesperson for the mobile network operator said: “Grandparents are the original influencers, providing advice on everything from jobs to romantic relationships or even what to cook for dinner.
“Thanks to digital connectivity, families are more connected than ever, and their advice is just a call or a message away.”
The recent survey of 1,000 adults revealed that more than half regularly communicate with their grandparents via mobile, using platforms like WhatsApp or FaceTime.
A whopping 78 per cent said that technology has helped them maintain a closer relationship with their grandparents.
Despite 80 per cent confessing that their grandparents have turned to them for tech support and advice, from using social media to online banking or making a video call, two thirds believe the older generation are more tech-savvy than they’re given credit for and that it actually helps their grandparents feel more included in their lives.
The study, conducted via OnePoll.com, revealed that cooking (46 per cent), storytelling (33 per cent) and saving money (21 per cent) are the skills youngsters most associate with their grandparents.
Moreover, gardening (42 per cent), giving advice (38 per cent) and being patient (35 per cent) are the areas where they believe their grandparents outshine them.
A spokesperson for Three, added: “Grandparents remind us that connection is just as important as information and that listening to their stories is a way of carrying history forward.
“We’re proud to support them develop their digital skills, so we can ensure their voices continue to guide future generations.”
THINGS GEN-Z HAVE TURNED TO THEIR GRANDPARENTS FOR:
- How to cook a family recipe
- How to garden or grow your own food
- Advice on friendships
- How to knit
- How to plant and care for houseplants
- How to make homemade soup
- How to live a meaningful life
- Career advice
- General DIY help
- Romantic/love life advice
- How to sew on a button
- How to budget/save money
- How to bake bread from scratch
- How to invest or save for retirement
- How to keep a positive outlook
- How to make a Victoria sponge
- How to make a good first impression
- How to set a formal dinner table
- How to use older technology, like a record player or camera
- How to iron a shirt properly
