Majority of U.S. Grandchildren Live Near Grandparents, Cornell Study Finds

Recent research highlights that nearly half of American grandchildren live within 10 miles of a grandparent, with many residing even closer, which influences the nature of family support and interactions. Families living near grandparents tend to have lower socioeconomic status but engage more in mutual help, though financial exchanges remain unaffected by distance. Meanwhile, grandparents face evolving roles, with some navigating the challenges and joys of grandparenting, including maintaining relationships with adult children and grandchildren amid changing family dynamics. Additionally, older adults increasingly rely on family support for daily needs rather than public services, with private help being more accessible to those with greater resources. This shift underscores the growing importance of informal care within families, even as grandparents and elderly couples manage financial constraints and caregiving responsibilities. Advice for grandparents includes finding balance in relationships with adult children, embracing modern communication tools, and cultivating personal interests to enrich family connections and well-being.