摘要：Longevity and the improved quality of life of the elderly population reflected in various sectors of society, including family formations. The image of elderly people as dependents is switched to other images that affirm the role of the elderly participating in the social, economic and affective spheres. The aim of this study is to discuss the role of the elderly in contemporary society as protector of childhood. The methodology adopted was qualitative in nature, with review of literature and use of data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (CENSUS, PNAD and PEA). The results indicate that, despite the importance of the subject, the Brazilian scientific production on the care of children and adolescents by their grandparents, understood as a child protection mechanism developed in intergenerational family relationships, is scant.
