As reported in the New York Times science section on March 21, 2017, the U.S, Census Bureau reports that the number of grandparents in the United States has increased by 24% since 2001. There were 56.1 million grandparents in 2001. There were 69.5 million grandparents in 2014. It is estimated that by 2050 there will be more people over 65 than under the age of 18.
Clearly, we are experiencing a Grandparent Surplus. The GOP has a two-pronged plan to fix that. Most of these grandparents are blue collar and middle income Americans. Too often they are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren. Reducing health care coverage for seniors, eliminating programs such as Meals on Wheels, reducing the rate of insurance coverage for low income and middle income Americans… all of these can be expected to increase mortality among grandparents. (The exception is mortality among Top 5% grandparents, who are expected to live longer and healthier lives.)
This mortality surge is not sufficient, however, to combat Grandparent Surplus by itself. The second element of the Republican plan is to reduce the number of grandchildren by the same program of reducing insurance coverage for low and middle income families and by also cutting medical research, funding for wellness programs, and by reducing social support for under-employed and under priviliged families.
So, soon you can stop worrying about the Grandparent Surplus. One less thing to lose sleep over courtesy of your Republican legislators.
Submitted by Michael Pfeifer, WCD Member