Association between Grandparenting and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Chinese: the mediation role of Children’s Intergenerational Support—A nationally representative cohort study

Abstract

Objectives As the world’s population increases in age, the number of people suffering from cognitive impairment and dementia has increased dramatically. This study aims to investigate the association between grandparenting and cognitive function in middle-aged and older Chinese and explore the mediating effects of children’s intergenerational support on grandparenting and cognitive function. Methods This study used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). A total of 5882 participants were recruited at the baseline survey in 2011, and 1230 participants completed the follow-up survey over 7 years. The CHARLS included the surveys on grandparenting and cognitive assessments. Grandparenting was categorized as yes and no. Cognitive function was measured by episodic memory and mental intactness. The association between grandparenting and cognitive function was analyzed in cross-sectional and 7-year follow-up models. Finally, the bootstrap method tests the mediating effect of children’s intergenerational support. Results Both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies presented that grandparenting was positively related to increase the cognitive function in middle-aged and older Chinese (B = 0.231, p < 0.05; B = 0.217, p < 0.05). Children’s emotional support and economic support played intermediary roles between grandparenting and cognitive function. Conclusion The findings emphasize the importance for policymakers to consider the impact of intergenerational care and family support when implementing new policies related to social services for middle-aged and older Chinese.