Older People Critical to Success of Youngsters [PsychCentral.com]

Reading this article makes me think about my grandfather who volunteered as a second grade "grandparent" in a classroom in a small town where he was living in his later years. He loved that work with the school; it kept him young and active and kept him connected with the community,   he was known as "Grandpa Kennedy" all over town.  I remember when visiting my grandparents and going to the supermarket, my grandmother did the shopping and he sat in a chair, specifically set aside for him, near the front of the store to visit with students. I could see how he loved being with them as much as they loved having his attention.  And parents knew and appreciated him as well.

He stayed in 2nd grade for years and many students had a caring adult that thought they were pretty special.  I think about how important supportive, loving relationships with adults are to young children (and how important having a purpose is to older people's lives) and wonder if there  are more ways to add  "grandparents" into children's lives?