Grandparents' Day 2025: the value of invisible welfare between care and economic support

Grandparents' Day is celebrated today, 2 October: a day - established in 2005 - which was created with the aim of recognizing the value of fundamental figures for families, who have always represented an irreplaceable economic and social pillar, an "invisible welfare".

Because October 2nd

The date October 2nd has a profound symbolic value. In the calendar of the Catholic Church this day is in fact dedicated to the Guardian Angels, who, a bit like grandparents, watch over the little ones.

In Italy there are approximately 12 million grandparents. Among these, 4 million - according to Istat - take care of their grandchildren every week, and one in three does so daily. An "active" grandfather dedicates an average of 15 to 20 hours a week to caring for his grandchildren, filling the gaps in a welfare system that often fails to support families.

The economic contribution

There is not only the incalculable emotional support. In fact, in addition to looking after their grandchildren, many grandparents also offer direct financial support. According to estimates - calculates the Uil - the average annual contribution varies between 1,800 and 2,500 euros per family.

If the hours of care donated by grandparents were to be paid at market rates, the cost to families would range between 31 and 42 billion euros per year. This extraordinary social protection network saves the State around 45 billion euros every year, while it allows each individual family to save up to 20 thousand euros a year.