Grandchild Caregiving and Cognitive Health Among Grandparents in Rural South Africa

Abstract

Objectives: We investigate how caregiving for grandchildren is associated with cognitive function among rural South Africans, and whether the association differs by gender. We further investigate whether measures of physical activity or social engagement mediate this association. Methods: Data were from interviews with 3668 Black, South African grandparents in the “Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa” study, conducted between 2014 and 2015. Results: We find that caregiving grandparents have better cognitive function than non-caregiving grandparents, and this association does not differ by grandparent gender. Although grandchild caregiving is associated with physical activity and social engagement measures, and some of these measures are associated with cognitive function, we do not find conclusive evidence of mediation. Discussion: Providing care for grandchildren may stimulate cognitive function for both grandmothers and grandfathers. Neither physical activity nor social engagement explains the association between caregiving and cognitive function.

The double-edged role of accessed status on health and well-being among middle- and older-age adults in rural South Africa: The HAALSI study

“…This also aligns with other studies conducted in the same area, suggesting that having social ties to adult migrants, extra-household families, and neighbors may create advantages for accessing financial and physical supports ( Hosegood et al, 2007 ; Lu & Treiman, 2011 ; Schatz et al, 2015 ). Recent evidence has also shown the importance of social connectivity and supports in relation to older-aged cognitive and mental health, particularly for those with more beyond-household social contacts ( Harling, Kobayashi, et al, 2020 ; Jennings et al, 2020 , 2021 ). The findings from our study thus highlight another important aspect of network members’ socioeconomic status that may contribute to the well-being of middle-aged and older populations.…”

“…However, existing evidence is largely derived from higher income countries. While a few studies in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have begun to unpack the complex relationships between interpersonal connections and older age health ( Harling, Kobayashi, et al, 2020 ; Jennings et al, 2021 ; Ralston et al, 2021 ; Story, 2013 ), less is known about the health effect of accessed status, a form of interpersonal resource, in LMICs.…”

The perceptions of older people living with hiv/aids towards physical activity and exercise

“…Older people in a South African context, especially in semi-rural and rural communities, are often responsible for caring for grandchildren while parents work in urban areas [35,36]. Caring for children requires high levels of physical activity, such as walking to school, playing and helping with grooming and selfcare [37][38][39]. This circumstance often prevails in poorly resourced communities that lack employment opportunities.…”

Exploring Reciprocity in Grandparent-Grandchildren Care: The Case of Mdlankomo Location, Libode in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

“…Furthermore, some carers may feel that they are more experienced parents now and could provide appropriate care for their grandchildren with ease (Lee & Blitz, 2016). Jennings, Farrell and Kobayashi (2021) found that caregiving grandparents have better cognitive functions than non-caregiving grandparents because providing care for grandchildren could stimulate cognitive functioning. Also, caregiving by the grandparents provides an opportunity to inculcate moral and ethical values in their grandchildren's lives (Buchan, 2015).…”