Grandparents have an unusually strong relationship with their grandchildren, a recent survey by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reveals.

Despite a belief in many quarters that cross-generational family ties have been shattered in recent decades, the national survey of more than 800 grandparents over the age of 50 has found that most regularly interact with grandchildren in a variety of ways, and think their relationships with grandchildren are "very positive."

For example, 82 percent of those polled say they have seen a grandchild in the past month, and 85 percent say they have talked to a grandchild on the phone in that period. More than seven out of 10 (72 percent) say they have shared a meal with a grandchild in the past month, and an equal number have purchased a gift within that time.

"The state of American grandparenting is strong," explains Gretchen Straw, associate research director of the AARP Research Group. "The relationship with grandchildren is a rewarding one."

"Perhaps the most striking finding of this study is the extent to which generations are connected to each other," the survey notes, notwithstanding our "mobile society (and) busy lives."

Thirty-one percent of adults in the United States -- approximately 60 million Americans -- are grandparents. AARP found that 11 percent of grandparents over the age of 50 are caregivers; eight percent are providing day care on a regular basis, and three percent actually are raising a grandchild.

Forty-three percent of grandparents say it is "very easy" to devise potential activities for a grandchild, and another 25 percent say it is "somewhat easy." The favorite diversions are eating meals together at home or in a restaurant, watching television, staying overnight, shopping for clothing and participating in exercise or sports.

Of those grandparents who are not caregivers and who do not live in the same household as their grandchildren, 44 percent see one every week. Nearly a third of those surveyed say they both see, and speak by phone to, a grandchild at least once a week.

The roles grandparents play vary when interacting with a grandchild. Nearly one-half (49 percent) suggest they serve as a companion or friend, and more than a third of those polled say they frequently offer advice, talk about family history, or recount aspects of the parent's young lives. Twenty-nine percent say they often chat about "the good old days."

In response to a question about important values or ethics to be passed on to their grandchildren, 42 percent of the grandparents cited high morals and integrity. Another 21 percent mentioned "success or ambition," 20 percent identified religion, 14 percent pointed to consideration of others, and 10 percent said they urged their grandchildren to be responsible or trustworthy.

The average grandparent in the United States has five grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One-fourth of grandparents, in fact, have great-grandchildren.

Back to top | Contents, U.S. Society & Values, January 2001 | IIP E-Journals | IIP Home