The Impact of Intergenerational Relationship on Health and Well‐Being of Older Chinese Americans

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Among older adults, intergenerational support can help to improve well-being. This study examines the correlation between intergenerational relationships and the subjective well-being among older Chinese immigrants in the United States. DESIGN: Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were applied to test the association between intergenerational relationships and self-rated well-being. The mediating effects of sense of control and the moderation effects of support from friends were also tested. SAMPLE: A cross-sectional sample of 2717 older Chinese immigrants, aged 60 years and older, with children and grandchildren was drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly. MEASUREMENTS: Study measures included four items concerning intergenerational relationships: the Pearlin Mastery Scale, two items on seeking support from friends, and single items measuring self-rated health status and quality of life. RESULTS: Only the feeling of closeness with children was positively linked with subjective well-being, while coresidence and frequency of talking were not. Support from friends moderated the association with self-rated health status, while sense of control partially mediated the association between feeling of closeness and both self-rated health status and quality of life. CONCLUSION: A stronger sense of closeness with children correlates to self-rated health status and quality of life among older Chinese immigrants. The effects of sociocultural changes affecting Chinese American families, and potential implications for older adults' health, could be addressed through strategies to develop emotional closeness with their families and to support sense of control and well-being among older Chinese adults.

To Be or Not To Be: Relationship Between Grandparent Status and Health and Wellbeing

“…A study using data from 11 European countries also reported that entering grandparenthood is associated with increased quality of life and life satisfaction (Tanskanen, Danielsbacka, Coall, & Jokela, 2019). A recent American study of older Chinese adults noted that feelings of closeness to one's next generation are positively linked with subjective wellbeing (Lai et al, 2019). Our ndings align with this previous research and expand knowledge about the bene ts of being grandparents into an Asian context in Hong Kong.…”

“…Researchers have found positive correlations between intergenerational or familial support and subjective well-being (Lu, Lou, Zuo, & Chi, 2017;Tian, 2016) and mental health (Bai, Guo, & Fu, 2018;Wang & Zhao, 2012) among older adults. For instance, Lai, Lee, Li, and Dong (2019) found that a stronger sense of closeness with grandchildren was associated with selfrated health status and quality of life among older Chinese immigrants in the United States. In South Korea, researchers have found that grandparents caring for grandchildren tended to perceive meaning in their lives and reported lower levels of stress and depressive mood (Park, 2018).…”

To be or not to be: Relationship between grandparent status and health and wellbeing

“…A study using data from 11 European countries also reported that entering grandparenthood is associated with increased quality of life and life satisfaction [41]. A recent American study of older Chinese adults noted that feelings of closeness to one's next generation are positively linked with subjective well-being [19].…”

“…Empirically, researchers have found positive correlations between intergenerational support and subjective well-being [15,16] and mental health [17,18] among older adults. For instance, Lai, Lee, Li, and Dong (2019) [19] found that a stronger sense of closeness with grandchildren was associated with self-rated health status and quality of life among older Chinese immigrants in the United States. In South Korea, researchers have found that grandparents caring for grandchildren tended to perceive meaning in their lives and reported lower levels of stress and depressive mood [20].…”

Advancing Asian Health Equity: Multimodal Approach to Translate Research into Practice and Policy

“…Another three articles focus on psychological well‐being among Chinese older adults and its relationship to physical health over time . Regarding social relationships, three articles concentrate on various facets of the social contexts of Chinese families including filial piety from the perspectives of the older adult and their adult children and older adults' capability for social engagement . Lastly, two articles explore patterns of health behaviors among Chinese older adults to understand potential predictors and consequences of certain health behaviors …”