Older women have an important role in family life.
Grandmothers and older unrelated women can exert a steadying influence that moderates many stresses that affect the next generation. Their authority and values can guide; their practical wisdom is very important to young families.
A woman’s role in life changes
Women in modern societies now usually live long and healthy lives, so it is not uncommon for them to spend around a third of their life post-menopause. These years are as important a time for them as they are for their families. Their life, family experience, and wisdom pass values and cultural traditions to the next generation, usually combined with a great deal of practical help.
Older women in the workforce
In some situations, older women may continue to work to contribute financially to their extended families, who may struggle with raising a family and housing.
Retirement can mean a change in role.
After raising her own family, a women’s place in society becomes one of being the useful, experienced older woman, perhaps the grandmother or friend who, now that she has time, can support her extended family. There may not be a direct relationship; sometimes, this support is given at arm’s length, but it can mean being directly involved with a young family. These women are usually well equipped with life experience for a valuable role as carers or mentors.
A Time Of Freedom
For many women, their post-menopause years can be one of the better times in their lives as they now enjoy freedom from pressing family issues and are probably as well off financially as they will ever be. Now, free of work, they have time to enjoy interests or shared activities with friends just for fun and companionship. They can now also make themselves available for their families and do voluntary work.
These women can be relaxed about their input now because they usually see themselves as being at arm’s length from most problems. This degree of separation can shield them from the stress and worries of their vicarious family involvement but doesn’t lessen the value of their input. At this stage, they have the life experience to be understanding and accepting. By now, they know themselves, what they want and expect, and are relaxed and settled about life and friendships. Their experience, compassion, and understanding can be a steadying influence within family and society.
History Can Continue
Having a cool-headed matriarch in a family is invaluable for infusing cultural attitudes and life skills into a family. The pattern they and their partners set throughout their child-raising years will likely establish a blueprint followed by their offspring, even though it might appear to be spurned at first. The younger generation needs to spread their social, moral, and political wings as they find their place in the world. Still, often, despite themselves, they end up adopting many of the conventions of their upbringing. Of course, many older men are often exceptionally good in this role also.
The Link Between Generations
A friendly, non-judgemental older person such as a grandmother, aunt, or family friend can often have a rapport with a young person in a way that a parent can’t. They can share confidences and offer guidance in a low-key way that can be very helpful to young people who are often reluctant to discuss things with their parents that they perceive might cause a fuss. Trouble-prone adolescents may often find a nonjudgemental grandmother a valuable friend.
Young Children Need Grandmothers
The role of grandparents is very important when it comes to the nurture of children. Even if they live some distance away, grandparents play an important role as the long-distance influence, and occasional visits can be very important to young children and help to young mothers. Grandmothers are often closer to grandchildren than grandfathers. Their keen interest in the children’s activities, school reports, and so on is greatly valued by children. Women communicate easily with children, but grandfathers also have an important role here. A friendly, caring adult male is also an extremely valuable asset to families.
Many young mothers are keen to have a mature, friendly, and supportive adult(s) on their side as they try and keep their young family on track to be good, well-behaved, socially adjusted people. Positive reinforcement and support from a grandmother are invaluable.
More Than Babysitters
The role of grandparents, especially grandmothers, in helping raise their grandchildren is increasing as young parents try to combine work and child-rearing. Grandmothers are also valuable transporters of children to extra-curricular activities, babysitters, shoppers, and general family personal assistants. This loyal, fully involved help for a family can only sometimes be obtained elsewhere. It is known that grandmothers give up some or all of their work or spare time to help their extended family.
Grandparents will sometimes even relocate so they can play a role in raising their grandchildren, as it is common for young people to live a considerable distance from their parents. Relationships are often formed, families start an ocean apart from the grandparents, and often it is only feasible for the grandparents to move closer.
The Lifeboat
If a young person’s relationship fails, they often turn to family for support until they can re-establish themselves. Even though grandmothers might need handicap ramps when entering a door, they can also give advice to younger family members. In turn, family support is reciprocated by both the grandmothers and the younger generations.
Grandmothers possess a wealth of wisdom, life experiences, and stories that can guide and inspire their loved ones. By sharing their knowledge, they strengthen family bonds and contribute to the personal growth of younger family members. Moreover, the family support system ensures that grandmothers feel valued, respected, and cherished for their contributions, fostering a sense of belonging and happiness in their twilight years. This exchange of love, care, and guidance creates a harmonious and nurturing environment where every family member can thrive.
Evolutions Role
Over the millennia, women likely evolved to have a long life after menopause when their usefulness proved valuable for their descendants’ survival. It seems unlikely they could help future generations’ survival if they were continually with the child themselves. Even in a time of plenty, the value of an older woman to a young family is too important to be overlooked.
The Role Changes Again
When their children start getting old enough to become grandparents, these influential older women’s roles will gradually diminish, and the need for their support will largely end. By this time, they will be of an age where they will now be content to sit back and quietly enjoy their extended family from a greater distance. Their families may still orbit around them even if, at times, the younger generation appears to be from a different planet. Their role will have switched from involvement to admirer and encourager by now.
Men Benefit Too
Another often overlooked role of an older woman is the caregiver to their men folk. Without a good woman too, if not to run their life but at least try and influence it, many older men would not eat well, may not exercise, and might even become solitary. By subtly or otherwise affecting their partners’ diet, drinking habits, and lifestyle, caring women can and do play a big role in keeping men healthy.
Obviously, there is an advantage for both as it often results in healthier older men and more likelihood of partners having a more therapeutic time together as they grow into old age. It also means a reduced chance of one having to look after a semi-invalid partner or their retirement activities are not limited by a partner’s ill health or lack of fitness.
The role of caregiver seems to sit very comfortably with many older women who are genuinely concerned for their partner’s and extended families’ welfare.
Don’t Forget The Old Guys
Looking after people is a wonderful way to express one’s love, and there are a good many men who go to great lengths to support and care for their partners and families. Old guys can be pretty good partners and granddads too!