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The 'grandparent economy' quietly keeping Americans afloat

(Elise Amendola/AP)
Elise Amendola/AP
(Elise Amendola/AP)

A new study from AARP finds that grandparents are a quiet safety net for the American economy as more and more step in to physically and financially support their grandchildren.

According to the study, the “grandparent economy” — grandparents’ financial support of their grandchildren — adds up to more than $903 billion each year.

Debra Whitman, executive vice president and chief public policy officer for AARP, joins us to discuss.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

Copyright 2026 WBUR

Here & Now Newsroom