This brief review comes at a time when there is interest in grandparents as sources of help and support for younger generations, both for their own families and also in the wider intergenerational community (Box 1). 'Special' populations of grandparents are being identified as playing major roles in childcare but these may have high health needs. Being a grandparent is generally a positive role for older people and for some may be satisfying and enjoyable and endure over many decades.