Does grandchild care affect ageing satisfaction? Findings based on a nationally representative longitudinal study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology of Aging
• Psychology of Aging

Background:

• Grandchild caregiving is a common activity among older adults.
• Existing research suggests a link between caregiving roles and subjective well-being in later life.
• However, the specific impact of grandchild care on grandparents' attitudes toward their own aging remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between providing grandchild care and grandparents' Attitudes Toward Own Ageing.
• To determine if changes in grandchild caregiving (starting or stopping) correlate with shifts in perspectives on aging.

Main Methods:

• Utilized longitudinal data from a German population-based sample of adults aged 40 and above.
• Measured Attitudes Toward Own Ageing using the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Moral Scale (PGCMS).
• Employed linear fixed effects regressions to analyze within-person changes over time.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant association was found between providing grandchild care and Attitudes Toward Own Ageing.
• Retirement and not being employed were significantly associated with more positive Attitudes Toward Own Ageing.
• Poorer self-rated health was associated with more negative Attitudes Toward Own Ageing.

Conclusions:

• Undertaking grandchild care does not appear to shape grandparents' Attitudes Toward Own Ageing.
• Findings contrast with some existing literature, suggesting a need for further investigation into subjective aging and caregiving.
• Employment status and self-rated health emerged as significant factors influencing attitudes toward one's own aging.