Proximity of U.S. Grandchildren to Grandparents: A New Study's Insights

A recent study conducted by researchers at Cornell University reveals that a significant number of American grandchildren live in close proximity to their grandparents, with implications for familial relationships and intergenerational support. The analysis indicates that nearly 47% of U.S. grandchildren reside within 10 miles of a grandparent, while 21% are located between 1 and 5 miles away, and 13% live within a mile. This proximity is crucial as it influences the dynamics of time and financial exchanges between generations.

The study, titled "Grandchildren’s Spatial Proximity to Grandparents and Intergenerational Support in the United States," co-authored by Rachel Dunifon, the Rebecca Q. and James C. Morgan Dean of the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University, and Olivia Healy, an assistant professor of economics at Elon University, was published on June 3, 2023, in the journal Demographic Research. It utilized data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, a longitudinal survey that provided detailed geographical information at the census block level, enabling the researchers to measure distances with high precision.

Dunifon noted, "Substantial numbers of grandchildren live very close to a grandparent. Additionally, our results reveal that the characteristics of families living very close to grandparents differ from those living just a little farther away." Families residing nearer to grandparents often have lower socioeconomic status, including less education and lower incomes, which affects the nature of the support exchanged between them.

Interestingly, the study found that distance does not significantly alter the financial support exchanged; families living closer together tend to receive and give more time rather than money. For instance, grandparents living 1 to 5 miles away provided an average of 186 hours of help and $800 in financial support, while receiving 104 hours and $500 in return. This contrasts with earlier research which suggested a more balanced exchange of resources irrespective of distance.

The implications of this research extend to the well-being of all three generations involved. Grandparents who live nearby can offer stable childcare, benefiting their grandchildren and their parents, who may need assistance while juggling work. Additionally, studies have indicated that spending time with grandchildren can enhance the well-being of grandparents themselves.

Dunifon emphasized the importance of understanding the living arrangements of families who reside in such proximity. "This is a group worthy of further study to understand how they select these arrangements and what the implications are for family functioning and well-being," she stated.

The findings challenge previous research methodologies, which often categorized proximity as living within 25-30 miles, missing significant variances in the experiences of families living much closer together. By focusing on this finer geographic scale, the study sheds light on the intricate dynamics of intergenerational relationships in modern American families.

As family structures evolve and societal norms shift, understanding these dynamics becomes increasingly pertinent. Future research may explore how such proximities influence not only familial relationships but also broader social and economic trends in the United States.