Great-grandparents and great-grandchildren - told stories and lived stories

Abstract Introduction: Due to new parameters of longevity in the world and in Brazil, the presence of great-grandparents in the family is becoming increasingly widespread nowadays. Objectives: Understand the role of great-grandparents in their relationship with their great-grandchildren. Methods: We opted for a qualitative research, using semi-directed interviews with great-grandparents and their great-grandchildren. In addition, five books of children's literature were read focusing on the figure of great-grandparents. The collected data were then triangulated looking to a better understanding of the phenomenon to be studied. The study participants were five great-grandparents, male and female, aged 74 to 97 years, five great-grandchildren, aged between 7 and 10 years. Results: The results point to a special status of great-grandparents in the lives of their great-grandchildren, presented through a relationship of affection; however, there are generational tensions that can be resignified through dialogue and coexistence between generations. Conclusions: It is concluded that the relationship between great-grandparents and great-grandchildren is appreciated by both generations, despite the great age disparity.