Study finds how ‘cool’ grandparents are classified

The study found that grandparents classified as 'cool' by their grandchildren use Facebook. Picture: Getty

A poll of 2,000 children aged five to 15 found they believed their grannies and granddads were “hip” because they regularly updated their social media status and drove a Range Rover.

Other reasons for the older generation scoring high on the list was letting grandchildren stay up late, owning an iPad and handing out lots of pocket money.

Others said grandparents helped them find funny YouTube videos, let them choose what they want to eat for dinner and joined them playing games on the Wii.

Overall, the research found 65 per cent of children described their grandparents as cool, while 75 per cent said they hoped to be like their grandparents when they grow old.

Three top things grandchildren said about their grandparents’ retirement was that they enjoyed their friends and family, were always active, that they had fewer responsibilities and were making the most of their lives.

However, two thirds of grandchildren admitted they misbehaved when they were with their grandparents because they thought they could get away with it while 15 per cent said money was an issue – with many saying they did well financially out of granny and granddad.

Touchingly, more than six in ten children aged five to 15 said they felt they could talk to their grandparents about anything.

And eight out of ten said they felt utmost respect for their mother and father’s parents, with the main reason being because they could say exactly what they thought to them.

Giving good advice, producing amazing meals and still being in love were other things children admired, with one in five going as far as to say that “they hold the family together.”

The poll by McCarthy & Stone, a retirement developer company, also revealed the coolest grandparents are most likely to be called Ted and Maggie.

Kim Caldwell, the firm’s sales and marketing operations director, said: “This survey shows how fondly children think of their grandparents. While they want their grandparents to be up to speed with the latest technology, it seems they still hanker for traditional things like card games, picnics and of course, extra pocket money. They also love days out with them and being taken on holiday.

“Having the time and freedom to spend with your grandchildren pays dividends for retirees – it’s treasured time that children will remember forever.”

She added: “This research shows that today’s grandparents earn the highest regard and respect from their grandchildren for their fun, independence and values.”