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. 2019 Mar;31(3):415-438.
doi: 10.1177/0898264317733362. Epub 2017 Oct 11.

Grandparent Caregiving, Race, and Cognitive Functioning in a Population-Based Sample of Older Adults

Rodlescia S Sneed  1   2 , Richard Schulz  1
Affiliations

Grandparent Caregiving, Race, and Cognitive Functioning in a Population-Based Sample of Older Adults

Rodlescia S Sneed et al. J Aging Health. 2019 Mar.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between noncustodial grandparent caregiving and cognition using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a population-based study of older adults. Method: Participants were White and African American grandparents aged ≥65 years. Only noncustodial grandparents who reported not living with their grandchildren over the three waves were included in our analyses. Grandparent caregiving status and cognition were assessed in 2006, 2008, and 2010. Analyses controlled for demographics, baseline health, depressive symptoms, and baseline cognition. Results: Both the number of waves of grandparent caregiving and the total number of grandparent caregiving hours across the three waves were associated with better cognitive functioning at 4-year follow-up in 2010. Associations were observed among Whites, but not among African Americans. Discussion: This study uses longitudinal data to evaluate the association between grandparent caregiving and cognitive functioning. Findings suggest that providing care may be beneficial for some grandparents.

Keywords: caregiving; grandparents; health disparities; helping; intergenerational ties.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Association of Number of Waves of Grandparent Caregiving with Immediate Recall Score at 4-Year Follow-up by Race
Analyses adjust for age, race, education, baseline immediate recall score, sex, marital status, employment status, difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs), difficulties with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), baseline depressive symptoms, history of stroke, diabetes, heart problems, lung disease, and cancer.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. Total Hours of Grandparent Caregiving Per Week Across Waves by Immediate Recall Scores Over Time
(Estimate: 0.000103; SE .00002; p<.00001) Analyses adjust for age, race, education, baseline total cognition score, sex, marital status, employment status, difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs), difficulties with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), baseline depressive symptoms, history of stroke, diabetes, heart problems, lung disease, and cancer.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.. Total Hours of Grandparent Caregiving Per Week Across Waves by Delayed Recall Scores Over Time
Analyses adjust for age, race, education, baseline total cognition score, sex, marital status, employment status, difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs), difficulties with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), baseline depressive symptoms, history of stroke, diabetes, heart problems, lung disease, and cancer.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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