Older Americans are increasingly taking out student loans as they help their children and grandchildren get an education.

According to a government study released early this month, the number of Americans age 60 and over with student loan debt increased from 700,000 in 2005 to 2.8 million in 2015, going from 2.7 percent of borrowers to 6.4 percent. The average amount of debt was also significantly higher, growing from $12,100 to $23,500. 

Nearly 75 percent of student-loan borrowers over the age of 60 claimed their loans were for a child’s or grandchild’s education. This is a concerning trend for older Americans since unpaid student loan debt can eat up their Social Security benefits, causing financial troubles for those entering retirement.

To read the full report in The Wall Street Journal, click here.