Grandparents Are the Hidden Childcare Workforce--New Index by DateMyAge Reveals Where Families Rely on Them Most

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Grandparents are often celebrated as the heart of the family, but their contribution extends far beyond birthdays and family gatherings. Worldwide, millions of grandparents provide childcare that helps parents stay in work, supports household finances, and keeps family life running smoothly.

As a platform dedicated to connecting adults over 50, DateMyAge wanted to explore where grandparents play the biggest role in supporting modern families. To do so, we created the Hidden Childcare Workforce Index, ranking countries based on factors linked to reliance on grandparents' unpaid childcare and family support.

Despite ongoing concerns around childcare affordability, the United States ranks just 33rd in the index, while the United Kingdom places 22nd—well behind Japan (#1), Portugal (#2), and Spain (#3).

1. Japan

Japan tops the Hidden Childcare Workforce Index thanks to its exceptionally large older population and world-leading longevity. Nearly 30% of the population (29.99%) is aged 65+, while life expectancy at age 60 reaches 29.5 years—the highest figure in the study. Combined with female labour-force participation of 90.9%, the findings point to a large and active grandparent population capable of supporting working families.

2. Portugal

Portugal ranks second overall, recording one of the largest older populations in the study at 24.94% aged 65+ and female labour-force participation of 91.7%, the highest among the Top 10. With 27% of households living in multigenerational arrangements, grandparents appear to play a particularly important role in family support networks.

3. Spain

Spain takes third place with 33% of households living in multigenerational arrangements among the highest rates in the index, and a life expectancy at age 60 of 28 years. Together with female labour-force participation of 87.9%, the figures suggest grandparents remain a key source of childcare support for working families.

4. Greece

Greece ranks fourth, supported by one of the largest older populations in the study, with 24.4% of residents aged 65 and over. Combined with 31% of households living in multigenerational arrangements and female labour-force participation of 85.5%, the findings highlight the continued importance of grandparents within family life.

5. Netherlands

The Netherlands secures fifth place despite recording one of the highest monthly childcare costs in the study at $2,284.96 per child. With female labour-force participation reaching 89.5%, grandparents may play an important role in helping families manage childcare demands alongside formal childcare services.

6. Australia

Australia is the highest-ranking English-speaking country in the study, placing sixth overall. Monthly childcare costs reach $2,167.25 per child, among the highest in the index, while female labour-force participation stands at 87.2%. The combination suggests significant childcare pressures that may increase reliance on grandparents for support.

7. Thailand

Thailand ranks seventh, with 33% of households living in multigenerational arrangements, among the highest figures in the study. Combined with female labour-force participation of 87.7%, grandparents appear to remain an important source of childcare and family support.

8. China

China places eighth overall, supported by 32% multigenerational households and female labour-force participation of 86.5%. These figures suggest grandparents continue to play a significant role in helping families balance childcare and employment responsibilities.

9. Italy

Italy ranks ninth, with 25.1% of its population aged 65+, one of the highest shares in the study—and a life expectancy at age 60 of 27.4 years. Together, these figures point to a large pool of older adults who remain closely involved in family life and childcare support.

10. Poland

Poland rounds out the Top 10 with 32% of households living in multigenerational arrangements and female labour-force participation of 88.7%. The findings suggest grandparents continue to provide substantial support that helps families balance work and caregiving responsibilities.

Jaime Bronstein, LCSW, relationship therapist and resident expert at DateMyAge, comments:

"Grandparents usually provide flexibility that doesn't exist with institutional care." Whenever there is a school dismissal, a child is sick, or there are problems for parents at work, grandparents tend to be the first people contacted.

"The interesting thing about the findings of this study, is how much families in each country rely on their elders." In some places, grandparents are deeply embedded in their families' day-to-day activities, while in other places, people tend to rely on institutions more.

Conclusion

While grandparents are rarely included in conversations about childcare policy, the findings suggest they remain one of the world's most important support systems for working families. From school runs and after-school care to last-minute childcare emergencies, grandparents continue to provide invaluable unpaid labour that helps households function, and parents remain in the workforce.

The Hidden Childcare Workforce Index highlights the countries where this contribution appears most significant, revealing how much modern family life still depends on older generations.

Methodology

DateMyAge analysed 50 countries across seven metrics to identify where grandparents are most likely to serve as a hidden childcare workforce. Each country was scored on monthly childcare costs, local average wages, leisure and travel spending per capita, the share of multigenerational households, the share of the population aged 65+, female labour-force participation among women aged 25–54, and life expectancy at age 60.

All metrics were normalised to a 0–1 scale and weighted equally. Countries were ranked by combined score from highest to lowest..

Full Ranking of Countries Analysed

[email protected]

SOURCE DateMyAge