Gen-Z turn to grandparents for help with friendship advice as they consider them a ‘key knowledge resource’, study finds

FRIENDSHIP advice, tips on how to cook a family recipe and gardening are among the top 20 things Gen-Z turn to their grandparents for help with.

A poll of 1,000 adults who are in contact with their grandparents found 87 per cent of Gen-Z consider them a ‘key resource’ for knowledge.

Charley Atkins/SWNSYounger people wanted help with knitting[/caption]

Charley Atkins/SWNSMore than half of Gen-Zs rely on their grandparents for advice a few times a month or more[/caption]

Caring for plants, knitting and making homemade soup also feature on the top 20 list of things younger people want help with.

More than half (53 per cent) even claimed to rely on their grandparents for advice a few times a month or more, whether that be practical DIY tips, or in-depth life or relationship guidance.

With 73 per cent of respondents’ grandparents now online too, it’s easier than ever for young people to get their expertise.

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 study also found 51 per cent now regularly speak to their grandparents on their mobile, whether that’s WhatsApp (29 per cent) or FaceTime (22 per cent), with 78 per cent saying technology has helped them stay closer to their grandparents.

And despite 80 per cent admitting their grandparents have relied on them for tech support and advice, 58 per cent believe the older generation are more tech-savvy than people give them credit for.

The most common things they’ve taught their older relatives are how to make a video call (45 per cent), how to use social media (35 per cent) and using online banking (34 per cent).

But 66 per cent say technology helps their gran and grandad feel more included in their life.

The research, carried out via OnePoll.com, found cooking (46 per cent), storytelling (33 per cent) and saving money (21 per cent) are the skills young people associate most with their mum and dad’s parents.

And gardening (42 per cent), giving advice (38 per cent) and being patient (35 per cent) are the things they think their grandparents are better at than 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.”

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