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.

Intergenerational caregiving on mental health of middle-aged and older adults in China: empirical insights

Introduction

The impact of intergenerational caregiving on the mental health of providers remains a controversial topic, especially in countries like China where it is prevalent. Given the country's aging population and recent liberalization of the two-child policy, understanding the effects of intergenerational caregiving on the mental health of middle-aged and older adult(s) individuals is crucial. This study aimed to explore the impact of intergenerational caregiving on mental health among middle-aged and older adult(s) individuals.

Methods

We analyzed data from the China Health and Aging Tracking Survey (CHARLS) 2013, consisting of 6602 participants finally. Personal information, family structure, financial support, health status, and physical measurements were selected for analysis. Correlation and regression analyses were used for relationships among variables controlling for potential confounding variables. Mental health status was evaluated using the depression self-rating scale.

Results

There is a significant positive effect of intergenerational care on the mental health of middle-aged and older adult(s) people. Additionally, we re-profiled intergenerational care variables by considering the number and length of intergenerational caregivers, and found that the effects remained significant. Furthermore, the effects of intergenerational care vary across subgroups based on gender, age, nature of usual residence, marital status, and physical health status. Finally, we identified two mechanisms through which intergenerational caregiving positively affects mental health: intergenerational financial support and intergenerational spiritual support.

Discussion

These findings have important implications for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and family members in promoting the mental health of middle-aged and older adult(s) individuals in China.

Developing and maintaining intergenerational relationships in an economically vulnerable community: findings from the Flint women's study

Few studies describe how community disadvantage impacts intergenerational relationships. Using interviews with women and service providers (n = 100), we explored benefits and challenges of intergenerational relationships in Flint, Michigan, an economically vulnerable community. Women valued relationships that increased social connections and generativity; however, few community resources promoted such relationships. Intergenerational relationships were important for leaving a social legacy in lieu of a meaningful economic legacy. Some middle-aged women are overwhelmed by caregiving, balancing employment while caring for multiple generations. Women desired intergenerational activities that include children and younger adult women. Further, caregiving programs should attend to the needs of middle-aged caregivers.

Latinas and Intergenerational Caregiving: An Integrative Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Identifying gaps in the literature regarding Puerto Rican childbearing women and intergenerational caregiving will facilitate future nursing practice and research regarding the amelioration of poor maternal-fetal outcomes.

METHOD

A literature search using PubMed and CINAHL, sensitized by Bronfenbrenner's Ecological-Environmental Model on Latinas and intergenerational caregiving, generated 18 peer-reviewed research articles (2009-2014) for analysis.

RESULTS

Categories and themes included the following: Latinas are the primary caregivers within their families and communities; caregiving is described; however, none of the studies classified caregiving as intergenerational and none sought to understand the overall impact on Latinas simultaneously caring for other members of their caregiving networks.

CONCLUSION

Gaps in the literature need to be addressed to facilitate design of health care programs to address disparities and increase supports for childbearing Latinas involved in intergenerational caregiving who are at risk for higher incidences of challenging life experiences.