A time-based comparative approach to study the changing demography of grandparenthood in Italy

Italy over the last two decades, using data from the Family and Social Subjects Survey conducted by ISTAT (1998, 2003, 2009 and 2016). The median age at which half of the population over 35 is composed of grandparents has moved forward by at least five years during the two decades observed. The median age at grandparenthood increased by three years for both men and women, and this difference is more significant than that observed for the age at parenthood and equal to the advantage gained in life expectancy at age 60. Thus, despite the increase in life expectancy, due to the postponement of grandparenthood, the life span shared by grandparents and grandchildren has remained stable.