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America runs on grandparents. Over $900 billion/year in childcare, financial assistance – Herb Weiss
For many families, grandparents are essential and actively shape how their grandchildren are raised. They quickly step in at a moment’s notice when a child is sick, and pick up grandkids at school when they’re dismissed early. Beyond babysitting and covering unexpected household expenses, they provide a steady presence that keeps families grounded and together.
A newly released AARP Research report examines a universal rite of passage for most older adults: becoming a grandparent. The 23-page report puts a dollar value on a grandparent’s informal support, estimating that, nationwide, they contribute more than $900 billion annually through unpaid childcare and direct financial assistance. From school tuition to clothing purchases, providing allowances, and their help, parents can continue working, easing financial pressure and strengthening family bonds across generations.
The report estimates that grandparents provide a $731 billion in unpaid child care each year, along with another $172 billion in direct financial assistance. On average, they spend nearly 511 hours a year caring for their grandchildren and contribute about $2,654 annually to help cover everyday expenses, child care, education, and other family needs.
Painting a Picture of America’s Grandparents
The report, “Powering Families: The Essential Role of Grandparents in Care, Connection and Support,” offers a comprehensive look as to how grandparents support their families—and the key role they play in the nation’s economy. The numbers tell only part of the story. Grandparents play an essential role in America’s caregiving network.
“America runs on grandparents. Grandparents are one of the most important—and often overlooked—sources of support for American families,” said Dr. Debra Whitman, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Public Policy Officer, when announcing the report’s release in June.
“Through both unpaid caregiving and direct financial assistance, they help parents stay in the workforce, make ends meet, and navigate rising childcare costs. Their contributions strengthen family finances and intergenerational connection, and provide critical support to the broader economy,” Whitman said.
The report estimates that 65 million Americans are actively involved in the lives of their grandchildren. The typical grandparent takes on this role at age 50, is now 68, and has five grandchildren. One in 10 grandparents serves as the primary caregiver for at least one grandchild, assuming legal responsibility for raising them.
The Joys of Being a Grandparent
Most of the respondents report that being a grandparent is a very rewarding experience. Eight-one percent said they feel confident in this role, while 75% feel appreciated. Nearly three-quarters said grandparenting fits in with their lifestyle, and 72% described it as a source of joy.
The two most common reasons grandparents care for their grandchildren are practical and personal: helping parents stay at work (38%) and bonding through spending quality time with their grandchildren and showing their love (35%).
Like many Americans, grandparents express concern about inflation and the resulting rising prices. Nearly half (45%) said the cost of living and its impact on their grandchildren is their biggest worry. Other leading concerns expressed by the respondents include gun violence (30%) and access to quality education (28%).
When asked about the challenges their grandchildren face, grandparents cited most often education and learning (22%), maintaining strong family relationships (21%), and emotional well-being (21%).
This report also reinforces how location can shape today’s grandparenting experience. Half of grandparents have at least one grandchild living nearby them, while 28% said they lived with their children during the past year.
Technology Can Bridge Distances
According to the report, digital technology helps to bring grandparents and their grandchildren together, especially for those who live farther apart. Seventy-six percent of grandparents say texting, social media, video calls, and group chats help them stay connected with their children and grandchildren.
The report also reflects the changing demographic makeup of American families. Nearly one in four grandparents (23%) has a grandchild who is biracial, multiracial, or of a different race or ethnicity. In addition, 9% have grandchildren of a different faith, and 7% have grandchildren who identify as LGBTQ+.
Behind every statistic is a grandparent who rearranges a work schedule, opens a wallet, or changes personal plans to help a son, daughter, or grandchild. Yes, taken together, the findings show that today’s grandparents do much more than spoil their grandchildren. They are caregivers, financial backstops, mentors, for many families, the dependable people who step in whenever they’re needed.
According to the researchers, the report is based on a nationally representative survey of more than 3,300 U.S. grandparents age 35 and older. The study was conducted in late 2025, along with in-depth interviews exploring their experiences.
To read “Powering Families: The Essential Role of Grandparents in Care, Connection and Support,” go to https://datastories.aarp.org/social-leisure/relationships/the-essential-role-of-grandparents/
To read more articles by Herb Weiss, go to: https://2×8.ea2.myftpupload.com/herb-weiss/
Herb Weiss, LRI, 12, is a Pawtucket-based writer who has covered aging, healthcare, and medical issues for more than 45 years. To purchase his books, Taking Charge: Collected Stories on Aging Boldly and its two sequels, visit herbweiss.com.
