Distracting grandkids with stories, or showing them how to do things is a superpower.

Grandparents used to be younger, too. Women used to have kids before 20, often at 15. You could be a grandparent at 30.

But even old and infirm, still stories could be told, and caring for grandma was distracting for kids too.

There were a lot more kids too. Most women gave birth yearly, and yes more died, but there were still more.

Keeping those kids busy was a plus. Training them vital.