Association between caring for grandchildren and feelings of loneliness, social isolation and social network size: a cross-sectional study of community dwelling adults in Germany

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine whether there is an association between grandparental care and loneliness, social isolation and/or the size of an individual’s social network among community-based adults aged ≥40 years.MethodsCross-sectional data were drawn from a population-based sample of individuals aged ≥40 years living in the community in Germany. Loneliness was measured using a short version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Social isolation was measured using a scale developed by Bude and Lantermann. The number of important people with whom respondents have regular contact (ie, social network size) was also used as an outcome variable. All respondents were asked whether they privately provide grandparent care (no/yes).ResultsLinear regressions showed reduced loneliness (β=−0.06, p<0.01) and social isolation scores (β=−0.04, p<0.05) among those undertaking care of a grandchild. Regression analysis also showed an increased number of important people with whom individuals had regular contact among those who undertook care of a grandchild (β=1.02, p<0.001).ConclusionFindings indicate a positive association between undertaking the care of a grandchild and the size of an individual’s social network, and a negative association between grandchild care and self-rated scores of loneliness and social isolation. These findings build on existing research into the social and health implications of grandchild care among grandparents. Longitudinal studies are required to strengthen the understanding of this association.

Intolerance of Uncertainty and Loneliness in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Grandparents in Greece take care of their grandchildren to facilitate working mothers ( 115 ). Caring for a grandchild was shown to expand older people’s social network and to reduce loneliness ( 116 , 117 ). Restriction measures and isolation deprived older people of the opportunity to contribute to their family and therefore to retain the sense of a significant societal role and connectedness.…”

The intergerational relationship between grandparents and grandchildren: integrative review / A relação intergeracional entre o avós e netos: revisão integrativa

“…33 Nonetheless, there are more positive aspects related to the intergenerational relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, an important factor was the emotional support which can be understood as the expression of affection, trust and affection through physical or gestural exchange, while the cognitive refers to the exchange of experiences and information about the family, permitting to understand situations. 7 Concerning the limitations of this review, the authors defined both inclusion and exclusion criteria, in which the gray literature was not included. Moreover, there was defined a 10-year period for sample selection and language restriction.…”

Extending understanding of grandchild care on feelings of loneliness and isolation in later life

“…A second person was involved in determining the search strategy and also critically reviewed the results of the literature search. Two recent studies drawing on the German Ageing Survey found that undertaking grandchild caregiving was associated with an increase in the grandparent’s social network size [ 5 , 6 ], suggesting that providing grandchild care generates additional opportunities to make meaningful social connections as well as access social circles that might not otherwise be accessible. This aligns with the findings of a study exploring the effects of grandchild caregiving on health and life satisfaction, which suggested that the provision of auxiliary care to grandchildren can be a source of positive emotions, and can facilitate social connectivity [ 7 ].…”

“…found that the provision of grandchild care was associated with lower loneliness scores among grandparents living in Taiwan, characterizing the provision of grandchild care as possible protective factor for older Taiwanese [ 8 ]. The cross-sectional study that found an extended social network among German grandparents, also found reduced loneliness and social isolation scores among those undertaking care of a grandchild [ 5 ]. However, the literature to date also points to gender differences in the experience of grandchild caregiving.…”