Age of Grandparents has arrived

The ratio of grandparents to children is higher than ever before. That has big consequences.

China, the US and India, countries that together have about 38% of the world's population, have between 24% and 30% of their populations who are grandparents.

Some Data

·???????? People are living longer. Global life expectancy has risen from 51 to 72 since 1960.

·???????? Families are shrinking. Over the same period, the number of babies a woman can expect to have in her lifetime has fallen by half, from 5 to 2.4.

·???????? That means the ratio of living grandparents to children is steadily rising.

·???????? There are 1.5bn grandparents in the world, up from 0.5bn in 1960 (though the further back one goes, the fuzzier the estimates become). As a share of the population they have risen from 17% to 20%.

·???????? And the ratio of grandparents to children under 15 has vaulted from 0.46 in 1960 to 0.8 today.??

·???????? By 2050 we project that there will be 2.1bn grandparents (making up 22% of humanity), and slightly more grandparents than under-15s.?

Embracing the glory of Grand parenting

In the vibrant tapestry of life, grandparents stand as pillars of wisdom, love, and continuity, enriching the lives of their families across generations. As the world evolves, so does the role of grandparents, adapting to new challenges and opportunities with grace and resilience.

At the heart of many communities, including the congregation of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Nashville, grandparents play a vital role. Drawn together by the boundless love for their grandchildren, they seek to navigate the complexities of contemporary grand parenting with faith and understanding.

The Grandparents Forum at St. George’s serves as a beacon of support and fellowship, where seasoned wisdom meets the eagerness of newcomers, all united in their commitment to Christian grand parenting. Through shared experiences and thoughtful discussions, they explore the intricacies of their role, recognizing both its joys and responsibilities.

In a world shaped by rapid technological advancement and shifting cultural norms, grandparents embrace the challenge of staying connected while navigating unfamiliar terrain. From daily conversations through texting to virtual gatherings spanning continents, they bridge the gap between generations with unwavering dedication.

Yet, amidst the marvels of modern connectivity, grandparents also confront new and daunting realities. Issues such as gender identity, mental health, and diverse religious backgrounds present profound challenges, demanding empathy, understanding, and humility in their response.

As stewards of tradition and faith, grandparents serve as anchors, instilling values of love, compassion, and discipleship in their grandchildren. They embody a legacy of Christian heritage, guiding their families with gentle wisdom and unwavering devotion.

The journey of grand parenting is a lifelong pursuit, an ever-evolving art form shaped by love, faith, and a deep sense of responsibility. Through the Grandparents Forum and similar initiatives, grandparents across communities find solace, guidance, and inspiration as they embrace their sacred calling.

In the tapestry of life, grandparents weave threads of love and legacy, enriching the lives of their families and communities with each passing day. As they continue on their journey, may they find strength in their faith, joy in their role, and fulfillment in the enduring bonds they nurture?

The Ripple Effects of Grandparental Assistance

The involvement of grandparents in the upbringing of grandchildren yields multifaceted consequences, impacting not only the immediate family dynamics but also broader social and economic realms. As grandparents step into roles traditionally occupied by parents, they become linchpins in the delicate balance between work, childcare, and familial support.

Evidence suggests that children thrive with grandparental involvement, particularly from grandmothers, whose nurturing presence often supplements formal childcare arrangements. This phenomenon fuels a silent revolution, propelling more women into the workforce as they rely on familial assistance to navigate the demands of career and childcare.

Despite the availability of childcare services in affluent nations, many parents opt for additional support from grandparents. Old-age pensions provide financial stability, enabling grandparents to dedicate time to childcare responsibilities. Statistics reveal a significant proportion of American children spending regular time with their grandparents, showcasing the pivotal role they play in family life.

The impact of grandparental involvement extends beyond childcare, influencing the labor force participation of married women with young children. Proximity to a grandmother correlates with increased workforce engagement, underscoring the interconnectedness of familial support structures and economic activity.

While engaging with grandchildren brings fulfillment and purpose to grandparents, it also presents challenges. Despite lower levels of depression and loneliness reported by involved grandparents, the demands of childcare can be draining, leading to exhaustion and frustration. Duty often outweighs enjoyment, particularly in cultures where caregiving is viewed as an obligation rather than a choice.

Moreover, as grandparents age, the strain of caregiving intensifies, exacerbated by the phenomenon of the "grandsandwich generation." Balancing the needs of grandchildren with those of aging parents places additional strain on an already taxed demographic, leading some to yearn for a more leisurely retirement.

Internationally, a substantial percentage of grandparents regularly assume caregiving responsibilities, reflecting a global trend of intergenerational support within families. Economically speaking, children represent investments in the future, while grandchildren symbolize pure consumption—a source of joy and fulfillment for grandparents.

In the intricate tapestry of family life, the involvement of grandparents serves as a vital thread, weaving together generations and fostering resilience amid societal shifts. As they navigate the complexities of modern family dynamics, grandparents embody the enduring values of love, sacrifice, and interdependence, leaving an indelible mark on both present and future generations.

Grand parenting & well-being of the Older Adults

The need to provide support to older adults who care for their grandchildren.

KEY POINTS

?? Grandparents are increasingly involved in the lives of grandchildren.

?? The impact of grand parenting on older adults depends on the magnitude of their caring responsibilities and the outcome.

?? As a society, we need to provide sufficient financial, emotional, and instrumental support to grandparents.

The arrival of the?age of the grandparent.?The ratio of grandparents to children under the age of 15 has increased from 0.46 in 1960 to 0.8 in 2022. By 2050, the number of grandparents is expected to surpass the number of children.

These demographic traits have been largely attributed to several demographic trends. Over the past six decades, life expectancy has increased from 51 to 72 years.?Furthermore, partly due to family diversification, the share of children living with grandparents has also increased; in 2018, roughly 10 percent of U.S. children lived with their grandparents.

In these households, grandparents frequently serve as the primary care provider for roughly 40 percent of the children. Grandparents often provide emotional support, help with homework, and supervise children; thus, grandparent involvement tends to have a beneficial impact on children's well-being.

Yet the steep rise in the?caregiving?responsibilities of grandparents raises the question:

Navigating the Complex Effects of Grand parenting on Health and Well-being

Grand parenting is a multifaceted journey, with implications for both the cognitive and physical health, as well as the financial and social well-being of older adults. Research sheds light on the diverse outcomes experienced by grandparents based on the nature and intensity of their caregiving roles.

Cognitive benefits emerge for custodial grandparents, who often bear the responsibility of full-time care for their grandchildren. Studies indicate that these grandparents exhibit higher cognitive performance in various domains, such as word recall and letter fluency. Moreover, certain cognitive skills decline at slower rates over time, suggesting a protective effect of custodial grand parenting on cognitive function.

However, the physical health of custodial grandparents may be compromised by the stress and emotional burden associated with full-time caregiving. Elevated stress levels, emotional distress, and depressive symptoms are commonly reported among custodial grandparents, along with limitations in activities of daily living and poorer self-reported health status. The strain of balancing caregiving duties with personal well-being poses significant challenges for these grandparents.

In contrast, non-resident grandparents who provide part-time care experience more positive effects on physical health. Sharing childcare responsibilities with their children's parents allows for a balanced approach to caregiving, reducing the burden on individual grandparents and promoting overall well-being.

Financial implications also play a significant role in the grand parenting experience. Grandparents often provide financial support to their adult children and grandchildren, contributing to intergenerational wealth transfer. However, when grandparents become primary caregivers, financial strain may arise, particularly if they must bear additional expenses for themselves and their parents in multigenerational households. Withdrawal from the labor market due to caregiving responsibilities further exacerbates financial challenges for custodial grandparents, particularly grandmothers.

Additionally, grand parenting can impact social dynamics and dating prospects for older adults. Caregiving responsibilities may limit opportunities for socializing and dating, leading to postponement of romantic pursuits until caregiving duties are fulfilled. Gender dynamics also come into play, with men showing less interest in women with heavy caregiving responsibilities, while women prioritize partners with strong family ties but are wary of adding to their caregiving burden.

In light of these findings, it is imperative for society to recognize and support grandparents in their caregiving roles. Adequate financial, emotional, and instrumental assistance can alleviate the burdens associated with grand parenting, ensuring that it remains a source of fulfillment and joy in later life rather than a daunting obligation. By fostering a supportive environment for grandparents, we honor their invaluable contributions to family life and uphold their dignity and well-being.

Source: The Economist, https://www.economist.com/international/2023/01/12/the-age-of-the-grandparent-has-arrived