A Conversation with Founder of The Long Distance Grandparent, Dr. Kerry Byrne

Kerry Byrne, PhD, is a researcher, collaborator and entrepreneur in aging, care and connection. She is the Founder of The Long Distance Grandparent, a mission-driven business helping grandparents strengthen relationships with their grandchildren – no matter the distance between them. Dr. Byrne launched an online monthly membership program called The Long Distance Grandparent Society to support grandparents in their journey to create fun and meaningful moments with their grandchildren through intentional and purposeful grandparenting. It’s the only program like it in the world and Kerry built it based on her 20-plus years experience as a research scientist in the area of aging and care. Kerry pivoted in her career, though she always had an interest in family caregiving and human connection as a professional focus. A serendipitous event moved her into the burgeoning field of gerontology. Kerry did consulting work for various companies, and was on a tenure track as a professor, before she launched her own business. Her impetus for starting The Long Distance Grandparent was driven, in part, by her living very far from her parents and wish to help them with their desire to know their grandchildren. In the U.S., she reports that more than half of grandparents live more than 200 miles from their grandchildren. Drawing on her personal and professional experience, Kerry helps improve intergenerational relationships within families, because these relationships impact everything from mental health to ending ageism. She shares practical, research-backed strategies through her blog, email newsletter, speaking engagements, membership program, and a few on this episode! For example, Kerry advises grandparents, grand-aunties and grand-uncles to "sweat the small stuff," i.e., remember the small details about your loved ones so they feel heard, known and special. These things can include sports, foods and any other interests. Kerry's membership group also receives ideas for virtual grand-dates, like art projects the grandchildren and grandparents can do together at the same time, virtually. Kerry is a mum to two little boys and all the grandparents in their lives are at a distance. She recently moved back home to Canada after living abroad (including in Dubai) for the last five years. Learn more at: https://thelongdistancegrandparent.com/