Is grandparenting a form of social engagement that benefits cognition in ageing?

Intergenerational Caregiving Patterns and Cognitive Health among the Sandwich Generation Within Four-Generation Families

This study aims to investigate whether generational differences in intergenerational caregiving patterns (caring for parents only, caring for grandchildren only, and caring for parents and grandchildren simultaneously) are associated with cognitive health disparities among the sandwich generation within four-generation families, drawing upon the theories of intergenerational solidarity and intergenerational stake. Moreover, this study seeks to identify mediators that help explain these disparities. A nationally representative sample of 8,065 respondents was drawn from the 2011 and 2018 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The findings reveal that the sandwich generation caring for grandchildren only, as well as those caring for grandchildren and parents simultaneously, exhibit better cognitive health. However, caregiving for parents only is not significantly related to their cognitive health. This study identifies the inability to reduce depressive symptoms as a mediator explaining the insignificant association between caregiving for parents only and the cognitive health of the sandwich generation. The findings underscore the importance of offering support to the sandwich generation within four-generation families to enhance their cognitive health. Moreover, it is imperative to distinguish between different intergenerational caregiving patterns based on generational differences among the sandwich generation, with a specific emphasis on allocating public resources aimed at promoting cognitive health for those engaged in caring for parents.

Emotional competences as predictors of psychological wellbeing and quality of life of supplementary grandparents caregivers

Introduction

Grandparents are increasingly becoming key figures in the supplementary care of grandchildren. Based on the Resilience Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation, the present study aims to analyze the emotional competences that canpl predict higher levels of psychological wellbeing and quality of life in supplementary grandparents caregivers.

Methods

A sample of 270 supplementary grandparents caregivers living in Spain participated. Most participants were women (71.1%), and the mean age was 67.83 years (SD = 6.26). Most participants were occasional caregivers, that is, they care for less than 10 h per week (76.3%). We conducted hierarchical multiple regression analysis, one for psychological wellbeing and the other for quality of life.

Results

The regression model for psychological wellbeing identified that age, management of caregiving stress, self-confidence in the caregiving role, management of work-life balance difficulties and emotional self-regulation explained 32.8% of its variance. The regression model for quality of life showed that age, type of grandparent caregiver, management of caregiving stress, management of work-life balance difficulties and emotional self-regulation explained 31.2% of its variance.

Conclusion

This study focuses on supplementary grandparents caregivers, whereas literature has tended to look at primary grandparents caregivers. The results highlight the role of emotional competences as predictors of supplementary grandparents caregivers' psychological wellbeing and quality of life, overcoming the usual tendency in the literature to focus on the negative consequences of grandparents caregiving for grandchildren, and emphasizing the competences that grandparents have to cope with this care in a satisfactory way, which, moreover, can be trained.

The impact of grandparenting on mental health among rural middle-aged and older adults in China: exploring the role of children's support

Objectives

In the rural regions of China, characterized by a pronounced aging demographic and limited resources, a substantial proportion of middle-aged and older adults engage in grandparenting roles. Yet, the literature lacks consistent evidence regarding the effects of grandparenting on the mental health of this cohort. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore the impact of grandparenting on the mental health of rural middle-aged and older adults, as well as the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

This analysis encompassed 10,881 middle-aged and older adults, utilizing data from the 2018 Harmonized China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The mental health of participants was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression-10 (CESD-10) scale, while support from children was categorized into financial and emotional types. The study employed logistic and OLS regression models to identify the mediating role of child support and utilized the Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) method for decomposing this mediating effect.

Results

The findings demonstrated that grandparenting had a significant negative impact on depression among rural middle-aged and older adults. Furthermore, children's support played a vital role in mediating this relationship, accounting for approximately one-third of the overall influence. Moreover, the decomposition analysis revealed that both emotional and economic support from adult children equally contributed to the declination of depression among rural middle-aged and older adults.

Conclusion

Grandparenting significantly enhances mental well-being in rural middle-aged and older adults, with the support from adult children serving as a vital pathway for this positive impact. Both economic and emotional assistance from children hold equal importance in this dynamic. It underscores the necessity of fortifying the family support system to amplify the support provided by children, which in turn could significantly enhance the mental health of rural middle-aged and older adults.

The mediating role of children's intergenerational support in association between grandparenting and cognitive function among middle-aged and older Chinese: findings from the CHARLS cohort study

OBJECTIVES

With the world's population increasing in age, there has been a significant rise in the prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia among individuals. This study aims to investigate the association between grandparenting and cognitive function among middle-aged and older Chinese using data from 2011 to 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Additionally, the study seeks to explore the potential mediating effect of intergenerational support from children on this relationship, using data from the CHARLS 2011 database.

METHODS

5254 participants were recruited at the baseline survey in CHARLS 2011. Subsequently, a follow-up survey was conducted over 8 years, from CHARLS 2011 to 2018, with 1472 individuals completing the follow-up survey. The CHARLS included surveys on grandparenting and cognitive assessments. Grandparenting was categorized as yes and no. The assessment of cognitive function involved the evaluation of episodic memory and mental intactness. The present study used cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses to examine the relationship between grandparenting and cognitive function. The bootstrap method assessed the mediating effect of children's intergenerational support.

RESULTS

The results of both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies indicated a positive association between grandparenting and cognitive function in middle-aged and older Chinese (B = 0.138, p < 0.05; B = 0.218, p < 0.05). Children's emotional and economic support played intermediary roles between grandparenting and cognitive function.

CONCLUSION

The results emphasized the significance of policymakers considering the consequences of intergenerational care and family support when formulating and executing social service policies targeted at the middle-aged and older population in China.

Older adults' perspectives on physical activity and sedentary behaviour within their home using socio-ecological model

BACKGROUND

There are few studies that focus explicitly on the impact of the home environment on older adults' sedentary behaviour (SB) and physical activity (PA) using the socio-ecological model (SEM). This study aims to investigate older adults' PA and SB within the home environment integrating the SEM as a theoretical framework.

METHODS

A qualitative exploratory research design was employed to conduct 33 in-depth interviews (IDIs) and five focus group (FGs; n = 16) with multi-diverse ethnic older adults (mean age 72±5 years). Using reflexive thematic analysis themes were generated from the data set and were interpreted using the SEM.

RESULTS

The findings indicate that different levels of the SEM had an impact on older adults' PA and SB. These include the 1) Individual level: Attitude, perception and motivation 2) Interpersonal level: Family and Friends: a motive to remain active 3) Organisational level: healthcare institutes, 4) Community level factors: Significance of social groups, 5) Physical Environment: Microenvironment and 6) Policy level factors (lockdown restrictions and healthcare system). This model can be utilised to foster activity within the home by focusing on the facilitators and barriers identified at each of these levels of influence.

CONCLUSION

The study findings suggest that modifying PA and SB in the home environment is complex and is influenced across different levels of the SEM. Therefore, a holistic approach is required that integrates these multiple influences. This understanding can inform the design of interventions that seek to optimize PA and minimize SB within the home environment.

Social connections and participation among people with mild cognitive impairment: barriers and recommendations

Objective

Social connections and participation are essential for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to prevent the progression of cognitive decline and enhance their overall well-being. However, existing research has primarily focused on environmental barriers, overlooking personal factors and the interconnected nature of these barriers. Moreover, there is a lack of understanding regarding social connections and participation challenges specific to people with MCI in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the barriers that hinder social connections and participation among people with MCI in China and investigate opportunities to design appropriate supportive interventions.

Methods

Thirty-one people with MCI (13 males and 18 females; mean age = 82.74 years, SD = 7.69; mean MoCA score = 21.26, SD = 2.44) and 13 caregivers were recruited to attend focus groups. In addition, 10 therapists were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Focus groups and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a framework analysis approach.

Results

We found that the ability to build social connections among people with MCI is affected by mobility challenges, intensive grandparenting responsibilities, availability of suitable activities, and feelings of exclusion in a closed-minded community environment. Personal reasons, such as lower social efficacy, inability to find suitable social activities, and intensive family responsibilities, discourage people with MCI from social participation. The digital literacy of people with MCI depends on their motivation to learn and use digital tools; people with MCI who live in a community have a higher digital literacy than those living in care centers. The motivation to achieve digital literacy is affected by perceived benefits, costs of technology use, and social influence.

Conclusion

Multidimensional initiatives are needed to address barriers to social connections, participation, and technology adoption among individuals with MCI. This includes organizing and engaging in social activities, promoting awareness and education on the importance of social participation, and exploring technology-based interventions to improve memory and storytelling abilities. These efforts can create a supportive environment and empower individuals with MCI to participate actively in social interactions, enhancing their overall well-being.

Association between caring for grandchildren based on living arrangements and cognitive function among Chinese middle-aged and older adults: The mediating roles of social activities and depressive symptoms

Introduction

In the context of an aging population and age-related conditions increasing, the increasing number of middle-aged and older adults are involved in grandchildren care. This study aimed to 1) explore the association between caring for grandchildren based on living arrangements and cognitive function among Chinese middle-aged and older adults; and 2) investigate the mediating roles of social activities and depressive symptoms in the aforementioned association.

Methods

This study selected 5490 Chinese people (≥45 years old) from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Participants answered questions related to socio-demographics, the Mini-mental State Examination, the intensity of grandchildren care, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and social activity.

Results

The results showed that caring for grandchildren and cohabiting with a spouse was positively associated with cognitive function among Chinese middle-aged and older adults (B = 0.829, p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a positive association between providing intensive or no-intensive grandchildren care and cognitive function. In contrast, caring for grandchildren but not cohabiting with a spouse was negatively associated with cognitive function (B = -0.545, p < 0.05). Moreover, directly and indirectly, caring for grandchildren was significantly associated with cognitive function among Chinese middle-aged and older adults, as mediated by social activities and depressive symptoms.

Discussion

The findings emphasize that living arrangements, social engagement, and psychological health could be considered when encouraging grandparent care as formal care.

Sex-Moderated Socio-Labor Aspects as Mediators of a Cognitive Stimulation Program in Older Adults: Randomized Clinical Trial

Cognitive stimulation is essential for successful aging. The influence of sex and socio-occupational elements on this area remains unknown. This study aimed to analyze the possible mediation of those elements in the effectiveness of a cognitive stimulation program in primary care. A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 232 adults aged 65 years or older without cognitive impairment. The intervention produced significant cognitive improvements. Women improved independently of social and occupational factors, while men's improvement occurred at a low role level (zero to one), a medium level of interests (two to three), with a medium level of mental occupation (neither high nor low), and with marked personal values. The mediating variables were the intervention group in both sexes and, also in men, a low and medium role level. Therefore, the intervention and roles appear as mediating variables moderated by sex. In conclusion, cognitive stimulation programs should be adapted.

Grandparenting and subjective well-being in China: The moderating effects of residential location, gender, age, and income

Grandparenting is a social determinant of older adults' subjective well-being (SWB) worldwide, and is receiving increasing scholarly attention. Grandparenting is particularly prevalent in China because of the increasing number of women in the labor force, shortages of daycare services, and intergenerational bonds. Based on three waves (2011, 2013, and 2015) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (n = 14,846), we used pooled ordinary least squares (POLS) regression to examine the association between grandparenting and Chinese older adults' SWB and the moderating effects of residential location (rural/urban), gender, age, and income. We measured SWB by four outcomes: self-rated health, life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function. Our findings indicate that intensive grandparenting is positively associated with older adults' life satisfaction. Older adults providing a low-to-high intensity of grandparenting have better cognitive function than non-caregivers. Among caregivers, a moderate level of grandparenting is associated with better cognitive function. Residential location, age, and income are significant moderators. For example, high-intensity grandparenting is positively associated with rural grandparents' but not urban grandparents' life satisfaction. Although younger grandparents have better self-rated health, higher life satisfaction, and fewer depressive symptoms than their older counterparts if they provide grandparenting care, grandparenting is more beneficial for older grandparents' cognitive function. Both low and high intensities of grandparenting are positively related to self-rated health and cognitive function for grandparents with lower incomes. Overall, the findings of this study indicate how grandparenting is related to the SWB of older people in China in different social groups and of people living in different locations.

Pet ownership is associated with greater cognitive and brain health in a cross-sectional sample across the adult lifespan

Human-animal interactions that stem from pet ownership have a wide range of benefits for social, emotional, and physical health. These factors also tend to improve cognition. Following this logic, owning a pet could indirectly enhance cognitive and brain health through mechanisms like improvements in well-being, socialization, and decreased stress. In the present study, cross-sectional data were drawn from the Alabama Brain Study on Risk for Dementia in which 95 participants aged 20–74 were recruited. Specifically, 56 adults were pet-owners and 39 adults were not pet-owners. Multivariate analyses revealed that pet ownership was related to higher levels of cognition and larger brain structures, and these effects were largest in dog owners. The most consistent cognitive relationships were found with better processing speed, attentional orienting, and episodic memory for stories, and with dorsal attention, limbic, and default mode networks. Moreover, we show that owning a pet can reduce one’s brain age by up to 15 years. Pet ownership was not related to indirect factors including social, emotional, and physical health. We found also that older adults’ brain health benefited from owning more than one pet versus owning one or fewer pets. These findings indicate that pet ownership, especially dog ownership, may play a role in enhancing cognitive performance across the adult lifespan, which could in turn influence protection against age-related cognitive decline.

A Social-Ecological Model of Grandparenting Experiences: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Grandparenting trends have been increasing due to rises in female employment, economic stressors, and single-parent families. Because the level of grandparental involvement could either result in beneficial or adverse physical and mental health outcomes, this review aims to use a social-ecological model to compare the childcare experiences of primary and nonprimary grandparent caregivers and the effects of childcare on their physical and emotional health.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This is a systematic review. CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus were searched for qualitative papers. A thematic analysis was conducted, and data were framed using the social-ecological model.

RESULTS

Seventy-four qualitative studies were included. Four themes were generated: intrapersonal: attitudes and motivations (obligation and sense of responsibility, limited physical health, and emotional resources), interpersonal: relationships with grandchildren and adult children (grandparental roles and gendered differences, forging bonds with grandchildren, role ambiguities, conflicts and drawing boundaries, and support and relationships with others), organizational: social services and educational needs, and policy: financial and legal issues. Grandparental well-being is likely to be dependent on the context of the childcare provided, relational bonds with adult children and grandchildren, and the availability of a community and institutional, legal, and financial support.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS

The act of grandparenting is laden with cost and reward. To ensure a better quality of life in grandparents' later years, joint efforts between policymakers, educators, and organizations are required to meet their childcare support needs such that they can fulfill their grandparenting roles with ease.

What doesn't kill you makes you "smarter": The long-term association between exposure to epidemic and cognition

Emerging epidemics have devastating impacts on people's lives and livelihoods. However, acting as a severe health shock, exposure to an epidemic may induce positive changes in health behaviors among survivors, thereby leading to long-lasting improvement in population health. This study examined the long-term association between exposure to the 2002-2004 severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak and middle-aged and older Chinese adults' cognition assessed in 2011-2015. Drawing on data from the 2011-2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, we found that community exposure to the outbreak was associated with significantly higher scores on episodic memory, after adjusting for demographic characteristics, adulthood socioeconomic status and health, and community socioeconomic conditions. No such a significant association was found for mental intactness. Mediation analysis showed that community exposure to the epidemic was associated with increased participation in social activities, maintaining close family relationships with adult children and grandchildren, and increased participation in regular physical exercise, all of which were positively associated with cognitive functioning in middle-aged and older Chinese adults. These findings suggest that positive post-epidemic behavioral changes are possible and may have long-term health benefits for survivors.

Cognitive Function Among Noncustodial Grandparents in China and the United States: A Cross-National Perspective

The current study aimed to investigate the association between grandparenting and cognitive function over time in noncustodial grandparents in China and the United States. Lagged dependent variable (LDV) approach and linear regression models were applied to analyze a sample of 1,411 Chinese and 6,579 American adults aged 65 and above from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, 2011-2013) and the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (HRS, 2012-2014). Grandparenting involvement was associated with less decline in episodic memory for grandparents and greater level of grandparenting had no negative effect on mental status and global cognitive function in noncustodial grandparents in China and the United States. The impact of grandparenting on cognitive function was conditioned on caregiving intensity, gender, urban/rural residence, and nation. Findings of the study suggest that greater attention on grandparenting facilitation might yield improved research, social support, policy, and interventions on cognitive health for the general older population.

Grandparenting activities and mental health in Northern Sri Lanka

Grandparenting activities are of increasing interest to researchers seeking to understand reduced social engagement and depression among aging adults. Heterogeneity in the population and caretaking roles complicate its measurement. We piloted a measure of grandparenting activities among 79 grandparents (aged 55+) in Sri Lanka and correlated those activity levels with psychological distress. Second, we explored whether the aforementioned correlation varied by grandparent functional limitations. We found that greater engagement in generative grandparenting activities was correlated with lower distress, and that association was stronger among grandparents with more functional limitations. We discuss possible explanations and implications of these findings.

Cognitive Impairment in Grandparents: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between grandparenting and the cognitive impairment in older persons.

METHODS

The protocol was submitted to the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number: CRD42018105849. Authors conducted a systematic review, following "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" (PRISMA) recommendations. Electronic databases were accessed through august 2018: PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and EBSCOhost. Selection of records and quality appraisal were made by two reviewers, independently.

RESULTS

A total of 178 records was found, after removing duplicates. From those, 17 were considered eligible for integral text reading and eight were included: five original studies, one classic review and two editorials. From the five original studies included, four suggested a positive effect on cognition resulting from grandparenting and one suggested that there was no evidence for a causal effect. Though the boundary was not consensual, some studies suggested that a higher frequency of grandparenting has a negative impact on cognition.

CONCLUSION

Overall, studies suggested a trend towards a positive effect of grandchild care on grandparents' cognition. However, there was a significant heterogeneity between methodologies and a significant risk of bias which can hamper conclusions, indicating the need for further and more robust research.

Intergenerational Ties in Context: Association between Caring for Grandchildren and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Chinese

Grandchild caregiving is suggested to improve the elderly’s cognitive function, but the specific relationship remains under-investigated. Considering gender disparity, this study aimed to understand the relationship between grandchild caregiving and cognition. In total, 7236 Chinese residents (≥45 years old) were selected from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (CHARLS-HCAP) was used to measure cognition. Grandparenting was measured from three dimensions: caregiving frequency, intensity, and the number of grandchildren cared for. The relationship was examined by multivariate linear regression, with age as a moderator. The results showed that the majority of respondents provided care to their grandchildren, especially grandmothers. Grandchild caregiving was positively associated with cognition (β = 0.686, 95% CI = 0.334–1.038), especially in the older-aged group. Moderate, not regular grandparenting, or caring for one grandchild was more positively associated with cognitive function. However, intensive and regular grandchild care was significantly associated with cognition only in men. No moderating effects of age were found in women. The study confirmed that moderate intensity and frequency of caregiving was related to better cognitive function in middle-aged and older Chinese population, whereas cultural context and gender differences could be considered when designing targeted policies.

Age-related loss of resources and perceived old age in China

Life expectancy in China has increased. This paper explores the age when older adults (aged 60 and above) consider themselves to be an ‘older person’ and how age-related loss of resources (five dimensions: early cumulative factors, decline and loss of health resources, reduction and loss of economic resources, weakening and loss of social support resources, and personal role transition and experiences of losing family members) could impact their perceived old age. Using two waves of data from the China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey (CLASS) in 2014 and 2016 (6,244 participants in 2014 and 2,989 participants in both 2014 and 2016), we found that the mean perceived old age is around 70 years at baseline (2014). Higher level of educational attainment and occupational types (early cumulative factors), better health condition, receiving support from friends and taking care of grandchildren are significantly associated with the perception that old age begins at an older age at baseline, while being Han-Chinese, being an urban resident (early cumulative factors) and reporting better health condition have significant positive effects on the perception that old age begins at an older age in the later wave. Our findings suggest that the age standard of older adults should be adjusted dynamically in response to social development and longevity, and also highlight the importance of early cumulative factors in shaping the ageing process besides age-related factors.

Providing regular grandchild care: Grandparents' psychological and physical health

OBJECTIVES

To examine the associations between intensity of providing regular grandchild care and positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA), heart rate variability (HRV) and somatic symptoms.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study involving 104 individuals (aged 59-82) who provide at least 5 h a week of regular care for their grandchildren. The study model was assessed using structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

Intensity of regular care (mean hours per week: M = 14.8, SD = 11.2) was associated with higher PA and lower NA. Higher perceived role overload, higher NA and lower PA were associated with lower HRV and somatic symptoms. The fit indices indicated a good model fit.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that healthcare professionals should be aware of the positive and negative implications of caring for grandchildren on their older patients, including the increased risk of future morbidity, as indicated by lower HRV.

Associations of family and social contact with health among Italian grandparents

Past research has documented the positive influence of frequent interactions with social networks on several health outcomes in later life, with different patterns by gender. In this study, we explore the association of frequent contact with different members of the social network (namely partner, grandchildren, siblings, friends and neighbours) on self-perceived health status and the limitation of illnesses among older grandparents in Italy, using a large national representative survey. Our results confirm the positive association between good health indicators and frequent contact with members of the “horizontal” network (partner, siblings and friends), while a more ambiguous association has been found with frequent face-to-face contact with children and grandchildren. The results hold for both male and female grandparents. The Mediterranean family-focused culture may possibly explain the distinctly Italian results.

Epidemiology and mental illness in old age

This is an overview of epidemiology relevant to mental health problems in old age. We start by reviewing some basic terminology: the definitions of prevalence and incidence; the difference between descriptive and analytical epidemiology; the differences between study designs, including cross-sectional, case–control and cohort studies. We then cover the main epidemiological features of the major psychiatric diseases that affect older people (dementia and its different types, depression, late-onset schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, delirium, anxiety-related disorders, eating disorders, alcohol and substance misuse, personality disorders) and suicide.

We end with some descriptive statistics regarding quality of life in older people.

Assessing Diabetes Risk Factors in Rural Dwelling Grandparent Caregivers

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to assess type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk factors in grandparent caregivers living in a rural environment.

METHODS

Clinical measures (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], blood pressure, and lipids) and self-reported data on social environment factors were attained. Data were analyzed via Pearson's correlation and regression models.

RESULTS

By clinical definition of diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%), 21% were prediabetic and 28% had undiagnosed T2DM. There was an association between the number of individuals in the home and triglycerides (r = -.25), high-density lipoproteins (HDL; r = .43), and body mass index (BMI; r = .39). Guardianship status had a significant association with BMI (r = -.38). There was a significant association between low-density lipoprotein (LDL; r = -.32) and access to community shared resources. In the adjusted linear model, the number of grandchildren in the home had a significant relationship with HDL (β = .012, p = .021) whereas the number of individuals living in the home had a statistically significant relationship with HDL (β = .026, p < .000) and BMI (β = .046, p = .02). In addition, 15% of participants reported being food insecure.

DISCUSSION

Efforts are needed to identify and screen at-risk populations living in geographically isolated areas. Considerations should be given to leveraging existing community resources for grandparent caregivers via schools, health systems, and government agencies to optimize health and well-being.

Social Participation and Self-Perception of Being Old in China

Longer life expectancy means that chronological age is no longer a useful indicator of defining old age. This study included 6,452 participants aged 60 years and older from the 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey to investigate the relationships between different types of social participation and self-perception of being old in China. Ordinary least square regression was applied. Results show that respondents who engaged in political participation or community participation reported higher self-perception of being old than those who did not engage in these social participations. Respondents who provided more care for grandchildren reported self-perception of being old at younger age. In the context of delaying retirement in China, obligatory participation was associated with an earlier start of the self-perception of being old. Elimination of mandatory retirement and separating that from pension eligibility may be good choices for promoting active aging.

Informal Grandmother Caregivers of Co-Resident Young Adult Grandchildren

Although primary caregivers of young adult grandchildren are generally not older women, a limited number of aged grandmothers assume this critical role. It is beneficial for the public to understand the lived experiences of these caregivers. For many different reasons, older grandmother caregivers freely provide valuable, person-centered care in their homes. They respond, on an ongoing basis, to the many care needs of their young adult grandchildren. Over time, their caregiving experiences can be satisfying and challenging. Because their services are provided to their young adult grandchildren at home, the collaborative efforts of health professionals, caregivers, and care recipients are essential. Therefore, researchers and health professionals can use conceptual models that emphasize wholeness, unity, and collaborative decision making to frame their understanding of the phenomenon of older grandmother caregivers, consider the influential factors, and determine the practice implications for this population. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56(10), 15-19.].

Choice and Constraint in the Negotiation of the Grandparent Role: A Mixed-Methods Study

Few studies have examined how the allocation and consequences of grandchild care vary across different socioeconomic groups. We analyze qualitative data alongside data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), in a convergent mixed-methods approach. Regression models examined characteristics associated with grandchild care, and the relationship between grandchild care and depressive symptoms and well-being. Qualitative data shed light on processes and choices that explain patterns of grandchild care provision. Tertiary-educated grandparents provided less intensive grandchild care compared with primary educated. Qualitative data indicated that this pattern stems from early boundary-drawing among higher educated grandparents while lower socioeconomic groups were constrained and less able to say no. Intensive grandchild care was associated with more depressive symptoms and lower well-being and was moderated by participation in social activities and level of education attainment. The effect of grandchild care on well-being of grandparents depends on whether it is provided by choice or obligation.

Cohort profile: Women's Healthy Ageing Project (WHAP) - a longitudinal prospective study of Australian women since 1990

Background

The cohort was commenced to examine women’s health from midlife (45–55 years) before the menopausal transition and into ageing.

Methods

Randomised selection and assessment of 2,001 women living in the Melbourne metropolitan area was conducted by the Roy Morgan Centre in 1990/91. Of the 779 women who met the entry criteria for the longitudinal follow-up (aged 45–55 years, menstruating, having a uterus and at least one ovary and not taking hormone therapy) 438 agreed to be seen annually across the menopausal transition from 1992 to 1999. Longitudinal prospective follow-up since 2000 has continued intermittently (2002/03, 2004/05, 2012/13, 2014/15). Data collection has included fasting biomarkers in each year since 1992, clinical assessment, lifestyle and quality of life data, physical measures and validated questionnaire data. Participants have consented to data linkage and, to date, mammogram and BioGrid data have been accessed. Biobank storage including serum, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) storage and PAXgene tubes are maintained.

Discussion

The WHAP has contributed to over 200 published research findings, several books, and book chapters in a variety of areas, including: health and wellbeing; mental and cognitive health; bone health; lifestyle, vascular risk and prevention; women’s health and hormonal transition; and cross-cultural research.

With all participants now aged over 70 years, the cohort is ideally placed to answer key questions of healthy ageing in women. With more than 25 years of longitudinal prospective follow-up this Australian dataset is unique in its duration, breadth and detail of measures including clinical review and specialized disease-specific testing and biomarkers. Ongoing follow-up into older ages for this long-running cohort will enable the association between mid to late-life factors and healthy ageing to be determined. This is particularly valuable for the examination of chronic diseases which have a 20–30 year prodrome and to provide knowledge on multiple morbidities. The dataset has a unique opportunity to improve our understanding of temporal relationships and the interactions between risk factors and comorbidities.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40695-016-0018-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.