Many children don't have the chance to interact with their grand-parents as often as they want because of the family structure and job location.  Long distance grandparents and grandchildren are common in our society.

Most children are ambivalent about the elderly.  They seem to have deep affection for older people, in particular their grandparents.  However, they may be appalled by the physical aspects of old age and do not want to be with or do things with the elderly.

Some research shows that children perceive being old with a negative feeling.  For instance, some children loath the wrinkles and physical disabilities of being old.  Other children don't think that they will become old someday.

Research also reveals that children who perceive the old as sick and unable to do anything may fear being old.  Their thoughts and feeling may affect how they will provide and care for the elderly when they become adults.

How can you help your children to feel positively about their own aging and the elderly?  It is important to provide children with accurate information and knowledge about the elderly.  That will help children form positive, realistic concepts of growing old and attitudes toward the elderly.

Teach children to value the diversity of old people and have an unbiased look at the elderly.  Bring your children to visit their grandparents.  Let them have a chance to interact and establish a close relationship.

If your children have long distance grandparents, you need to encourage your children to keep in touch regularly with their grandparents by phone, letters, exchanging photos, etc.  You may also provide opportunities for your children to do things with old people in church or participate in intergenerational activities in your community.