AARP Survey: Grandparents, Grandchildren Have Strong Bond,
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AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite the widespread belief that cross-generational family relationships have been shattered in recent decades, an AARP survey shows that grandparents have an unusually strong relationship with their grandchildren.

The national survey of more than 800 grandparents over 50 years old found that most regularly interact with grandchildren in a variety of ways and think their relationships with grandchildren are "very positive."

For example, more than eight in ten grandparents (82 percent) surveyed said they have seen a grandchild in the past month, and 85 percent said they have talked to a grandchild on the phone in that period. Seven in ten (72 percent) said they have shared a meal in the past month, and an equal number said they purchased a gift for a grandchild within that time.

"The state of American grandparenting is strong," explained Gretchen Straw, associate research director of the AARP Research Group. "Most grandparents see their grandchildren regularly and connect in a number of ways. The relationship 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 concludes. "In spite of a mobile society (and) busy lives... most grandparents regularly interact with their grandchildren."

The survey comes at a time when the national media regularly report on instances of family breakdown. It also comes at a time at which grandparents visitation rights have become a focal point of attention on the eve of the Supreme Court oral arguments in the Troxel v. Granville case.

Thirty-one percent of adults -- or about 60 million Americans -- are grandparents. AARP found that eleven percent of grandparents over 50 are caregivers: eight percent say that they are providing day care on a regular basis and three percent say they are raising a grandchild.

Other highlights of the study:

-In questioning grandparents about 17 activities they might have engaged in with any grandchild in the past month, AARP found the top five were:

• Eating together (either in or out)
• Watching a TV comedy
• Staying overnight
• Shopping for clothes
• Engaging in exercise/sports

-Forty-three percent of grandparents say it is "very easy" to come up with potential activities for a grandchild, and another 25 percent say it is "somewhat easy."

-Of grandparents who are not caregivers and who do not live in the same household as grandchildren, 44 percent see a grandchild every week. Another 25 percent see a grandchild at least once a month. Almost a third of grandparents (31 percent) both see and speak by phone to a grandchild each week. Slightly over one in 10 grandparents (12 percent) have little contact with a grandchild, seeing or talking on the phone with them every few months or less.

-Grandparents were asked about the different roles they play when interacting with a grandchild. Nearly one-half (49%) said that they often serve as a companion/friend, and more than one-third said they often give advice (35 percent), talk about family history (33 percent), explain what their parent did as a child (36 percent), or serve as a confidant (34 percent). Twenty-nine percent said they often "talk about the good old days."

In response to an open-ended question about what are the most important values or ethics they would like to pass on to their grandchildren, 42 percent of the grandparents said high morals and integrity. Twenty-one percent cited "success or ambition," 20 percent mentioned religion, 14 percent pointed to consideration of others, and ten percent said to be responsible or trustworthy.

-Mature grandparents spend a median of $489 a year on clothes, books, toys and other items for grandchildren. Nearly three-fourths of those questioned (74 percent) purchased clothing and 60 percent bought books for a grandchild in the previous 12 months.

Twenty-seven percent of those participating in the study are under age 60, just over one-third are 60 to 69, and a similar percentage are 70 and older. Fifty-six percent are retired, while 23 percent work full-time and eight percent, part-time. Seven percent are homemakers. The survey found that the typical grandparent has five grandchildren/great grandchildren. One-fourth of grandparents have great grandchildren. Just over one-third have income under $25,000, while 30 percent have incomes of at least $50,000.

The study was conducted by telephone for AARP by ICR Survey Research Group of Media, Pennsylvania. The sample includes 823 grandparents age 50 years and older who were interviewed between September 28 and October 25, 1998. The margin of error is 3.5 percent plus or minus.

AARP is the nation's leading organization for people age 50 and older. It serves their needs and interests through information and education, advocacy, and community services which are provided by a network of local chapters and experienced volunteers throughout the country. The organization also offers members a wide range of special benefits and services, including Modern Maturity magazine and the monthly Bulletin.