Grandparent Caregiving and Depression among Korean Older Adults

• In Event: 499 - Section on Aging and the Life Course Roundtable Session.
  In Refereed Roundtable: Section on Aging and the Life Course Roundtables Session. Table 01. Caregiving

Abstract

Research on grandparents and its health implications for Asian older adults has been limited despite strong Asian family ties. This study investigates how grandparent caregiving impacts older adults' mental health, specifically depressive symptoms among Korean grandparents. Using a nationally representative longitudinal survey in Korea, the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (n=5,221), this study examines the association between grandparent caregiving and depressive symptoms and variations by caregiving type and duration and gender. Results show that grandparents providing skipped-generation household caregiving are more likely to be depressed. Grandmothers who provide short-term non-residential caregiving for grandchildren are more likely to report a high level of depression. Results suggest that it is highly recommended to take into account the unique social and cultural conditions and how the conditions shape older adults’ new role as grandparents and their healthier life.

Author

• Seung-won Choi, Michigan State University