Grandparent News From Around the World

Grandparent News

In Minnesota and across the United States there is a growing awareness of a very big issue facing grandparents; addiction of their adult children. A story in the MinnPost called Role shifts: What happens when addiction results in grandparents parenting, tells the all too familiar tale of grandparents who unexpectedly found themselves raising 3 grandchildren.

Across the United States 2.7 million grandparents are raising grandchildren, and about one-fifth of those have incomes that fall below the poverty line, according to PBS News Hour.

In California the Los Angelos Times reports about the Haven family, who bought an apartment building and now 3 generations live there together. It might not appeal to everyone but this family loves having Grandma and Grandpa on the first floor while they live upstairs.

Multi-generational homes are becoming increasingly common. In 2016, the most recent Pew numbers, 20 percent of Americans — 64 million people — lived in multigenerational homes. The Washington Post

And finally from across the pond….Did you know that 75% of grandparents learn about technology from their grandchildren? That’s right. Nana’s ask their grandchildren “What’s an emoji?” or “What’s a hashtag?” And in return they get to teach their grandchildren about gardening, appreciating the older generation and much more. Sounds like a win, win to me! How about you?

What’s in the news where you are?