The intensity of grandparenting affects health, research shows

An active lifestyle is known to promote both mental and physical health, increasing life expectancy. It is often believed that grandparents who care for their grandchildren engage in more activities, such as playing and going on outings, which should improve their health. However, researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have found that grandparents who are heavily involved in the care of their grandchildren actually experience worse health outcomes.

A studypublished in the Journal of Aging and Healthanalyzed a nationally representative data set of older adults in the United States. The study found that the more hours a grandparent spent on grandparenting activities and whether he or she lived with their grandchildren – known as grandparent intensity – the less often they were able to exercise.

“Our goal with this study was to understand the association between grandparents and physical activity,” said Patricia Drentea, Ph.D., professor of sociology and lead author of the study. “We found an inverse relationship between the two, as caring for grandchildren provides less time to pursue interests and stay active.”

More intensive care has a negative impact on physical activity and overall health, especially among these groups:

• Grandparents in multi-generational households
• Grandparents raise grandchildren without parents
• Older grandparents
• Grandparents who are separated, divorced, widowed or never married
• Women

Usually, grandparents from socially and economically disadvantaged groups are charged with primary responsibility for care. This ensures that the effects of intensive grandparenting are most pronounced within these populations.

“On average, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals already struggle with poorer health and finding free time,” Drentea said. “When you add grandparenting and caregiving responsibilities, they find less time for physical activity, which worsens their health.”

The study also found that grandparents with higher socioeconomic and educational levels were less likely to engage in intensive grandparenting because “they have more autonomy and resources to engage in leisure activities,” she said.

Co-authors Greg Pavela, Ph.D., associate dean of Academic Affairs in the School of Public Health; Julie Locher, Ph.D., professor emeritus in the Department of Medicine; and UAB alumnus Lu Tian, ​​PhD, recognize that grandparenting can be beneficial for mental and physical health.

However, the team’s research highlights the need for better support for grandparents, especially those in disadvantaged health and economic situations, as their caregiving responsibilities often limit their ability to participate in health-promoting physical activities.

“Supportive environments and community-based programs can help break down the barriers between rigorous grandparenting and positive health outcomes,” Drentea said. “With the right support, older adults can spend time doing activities that are beneficial to their health and well-being.”