Gen-Z lean on grandparents for advice - and it's about more than just food

Gen-Z are turning to their grandparents for advice on everything from cooking family recipes to gardening, according to a new study. The research found that more than half of young people rely on their grandparentsfor guidance several times a month or more, seeking their wisdom on topics such as plant care, knitting and making homemade soup.

Interestingly, many Gen Z individuals also seek more profound life advice from their grandparents, includingrelationship guidance. With three quarters of the surveyed grandparents now online, it is easier than ever for the younger generation to reach out to them for their wisdom.

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.

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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 recent survey of 1,000 adults revealed that more than half regularly communicate with their grandparents via mobile, using platforms like WhatsApp or FaceTime.

A whopping 78 per cent said that technology has helped them maintain a closer relationship with their grandparents.

Despite 80 per cent confessing that their grandparents have turned to them for tech support and advice, from using social media to online banking or making a video call, two thirds believe the older generation are more tech-savvy than they're given credit for and that it actually helps their grandparents feel more included in their lives.

The study, conducted via OnePoll.com, revealed that cooking (46 per cent), storytelling (33 per cent) and saving money (21 per cent) are the skills youngsters most associate with their grandparents.

Moreover, gardening (42 per cent), giving advice (38 per cent) and being patient (35 per cent) are the areas where they believe their grandparents outshine 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."

THINGS GEN-Z HAVE TURNED TO THEIR GRANDPARENTS FOR:

How to cook a family recipe

How to garden or grow your own food

Advice on friendships

How to knit

How to plant and care for houseplants

How to make homemade soup

How to live a meaningful life

Career advice

General DIY help

Romantic/love life advice

How to sew on a button

How to budget/save money

How to bake bread from scratch

How to invest or save for retirement

How to keep a positive outlook

How to make a Victoria sponge

How to make a good first impression

How to set a formal dinner table

How to use older technology, like a record player or camera

How to iron a shirt properly