Changing families

[phkrause]

Third-grader Dallin Curry with his grandmother, Mary Durr, during a Grandparents Day celebration at Burns Elementary School in Owensboro, Ky. Photo: Alan Warren/The Messenger-Inquirer via AP Census data out today shows fewer grandparents are living with and taking care of grandchildren — 6.8 million vs. 7.2 million a few years ago, reports AP's Mike Schneider, who covers demographics from Orlando. Why it matters: A stronger economy is likely part of the reason. It's less likely that adult children need constant help from their parents. The biggest reason may be that opioid-related deaths stabilized, then declined. Substance abuse is a leading reason grandparents end up raising grandchildren. A reduction in the number of incarcerated women also likely has played a role, said Susan Kelley, a professor emerita of nursing at Georgia State. ? "It's very rarely for positive reasons that grandparents find themselves in this situation," Kelley said. "Usually, it's a tragic situation in an adult child's life — either a death, incarceration or mental health issues which correlate with substance abuse. ... Many grandparents thrive in that role. But there are still socioeconomic and emotional burdens on the grandparents." Gabriel Swift, 7, wins a bike race against his brother, Isaiah Swift, 5, and his grandparents, Kim and Steve Swift, in Owensboro, Ky. Photo: Alan Warren/The Messenger-Inquirer via AP ? Between the lines: The new figures, from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, compare the years 2014-2018 and 2019-2023 — before COVID, then during the virus' spread. The survey of 3.5 million households covers more than 40 topics, including ancestry, fertility, marital status, commutes, veterans status, disability and housing. ? By the numbers: The survey shows Americans continue to get older, with the median age rising to 38.7 from 37.9. The nation's share of senior citizens rose to 16.8% from 15.2%. ? The share of households with a computer jumped to 95% from 89%. Households with a broadband connection jumped to 90% from 80%. ? Home values increased by 21.7%. The median home value jumped from $249,400 to $303,400 nationwide.