Grandparent-Grandchild Coresidence Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults Around the Globe

Although the relationship between grandparent and grandchild is often unique due to the supportive and foundational roles grandparents can have in the lives of young or youthful grandchildren, the extent of grandparent-grandchild coresidence globally is under-researched. We harmonized household roster survey data on grandchild coresidence using population-based data on adults 55+ years across 24 countries. Grandchild coresidence rates ranged from 41.1% in Mexico to 0.1% in Sweden. Across contexts, grandchild coresidence was more common among women (compared to men), non-partnered individuals (compared to partnered individuals), those who reported difficulty with activities of daily living (compared to those without such difficulties), and those with education levels below the median (compared to those above the median). Logit regressions indicated gaps in rates of grandchild coresidence by partner status, ADL status, and education were generally not driven by income or other socio-demographic variables. Coresidence with adult grandchildren was not uncommon in most countries with non-negligible rates of grandchild coresidence. In about 25% of households of middle-aged and older adults coresiding with grandchildren, grandchildren ages 0-5 years were present. Future research should consider the meaning of grandparent-grandchild coresidence for the health outcomes of middle-aged and older adults globally, particularly when grandparents are not caregivers of grandchildren.