[Infographic] Grandparents in the United States

Ahead of Grandparents Day 2012 on September 9, Generations United, a national membership organization focused on improving the lives of children, youth, and older people through intergenerational strategies, programs, and public policies, has released the infographic below.

(Click for full-sized image)

"As the graphic illustrates," says Donna Butts, executive director of Generations United, "grandparents and other adults over fifty are making major contributions to society, whether through volunteerism and advocacy, financial support, child care, or simply sharing their wisdom and knowledge. The number of grandparents is growing rapidly, and they represent a tremendous resource for helping us address societal challenges -- especially challenges facing our nation's children and youth. We have sixty-five million grandparents in the U.S. today. Imagine if we were to tap into the talents and skills of just 10 percent of those older adults. That would mean 6.5 million adults who could give voice to our children on issues from education to medical care. Many are already doing so and many more would do so if asked."

Click here to learn more about Grandparents Day 2012 and the week (September 8-15) of intergenerational activism GU has planned to mark the event.