Abstract

As a branch of the human sciences, gerontology tries to depict the facts about old age which includes grandparents as well. But, the approach of gerontology sometimes look at the meaning from the outside. According to one widely shared view, the agenda for social gerontology should be to promote better social integration of the aged/grandparents by means of domestic activities, grand parenting and participatory roles in all kinds. Whether through work, leisure, or attendance at religious services, the aim of social integration is for people to remain engaged throughout life. This new and increasing age group that has its own life style needs special care, nursing, housing, security and economy. While grandparents are increasing, on the other hand, social structure is ever changing in Iran - families are contracting, girls are working, or staying outside home and so forth. The emerging process is having serious impacts on the elderly or grandparents. The paper illustrates the life conditions of grandparents; their needs, their quality of life and how they interact. As the phenomenon is almost new to Iran, the country does not have experience enough to put up with it, as it happens in the developed world. Method of research used in the current survey is a combined method of theoretical and empirical paradigms. As the number is increasing, the population needs more investment from different perspectives [1].

Keywords: Aging people; Gerontology; Grandparents; Quality of Life; Social integration