The Grand Connection: Association Between Grandchild Care Involvement and Grandparents’ Cognitive Functioning

Abstract

Cognitive impairment is increasingly becoming a public health agenda. Lifestyle factors that can be modified to optimize cognitive ability thus become increasingly important in maintaining an active life in old age. The number of dual-income families is increasing, so grandparents are frequently called upon for childcare. The social distancing measures applied due to the COVID-19 global pandemic mean that some older adults have had to reduce social contact with their family members, including their grandchildren. Whilst emerging evidence suggested that social engagement possibly delays the onset of cognitive decline. There is relatively limited data on the association of grandparent childcare and cognition function preservation.