Especially in low-income families, grandparents, in addition to transmitting values, customs and traditions to their grandchildren, "in many cases, act as surrogate parents, by taking upon themselves their daily chores, because the mother and father work all day, often far away from their place of residence or as migrants."

Thus, old age, in spite of the difficulties and hardships of the inevitable physical limitations that characterize it, can become a special time to love and to feel loved, a unique opportunity to take care of someone. Grandparents fill a role that would otherwise remain empty: they play a central part in the growth and education of their grandchildren and in supporting their parents, especially in the poorer classes of the population, and they give advice that can transmit love and unity to entire family.