Grandparenting, Health, and Well-Being: The Power of Intergenerational Connection

Grandparents play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren, and in some families, have assumed key caregiving responsibilities. In the United States, grandparents have increasingly taken on the care of their grandchildren, due to parental substance abuse, parental death, or other complex family issues (Hughes et al., January 16, 2024). While most grandparents desire an active role in their grandchildren’ lives, an important question remains: How does the “grandparenting role” affect grandparents’ health and well-being, especially with different types of living arrangements?

Key researchers compiled studies on the health and well-being of grandparents according to the three primary family structures:

1)       Custodial Grandparent Families-Grandparents raise children without the presence of the children’s parents.

2)       Three-Generational Households-Grandparents live with adult children and grandchildren.

3)       Non-Co-Residing Grandparents-Grandparents are actively involved in their grandchildren’s lives but do not live with them (Danielsbacka et al., 2022).

Generally, custodial grandparents living in the United States are at higher risk for poorer health outcomes because of the demands and responsibilities associated with caregiving, since it increases the risk of poorer health due to the increase burden of caregiving. In addition, they often have high levels of parenting stress and general stress too (Kaylor-Tapscott & Sullivan, 2024).

For grandparents who live in three-generation households, or multigenerational families, the effects can be either beneficial or detrimental. Some grandparents living in three-generation families may already have poorer health than those living in other arrangements. However, shared caregiving responsibilities and increased family support can sometimes offset these challenges.

Non-co-residing grandparents often assist with childcare and maintain active relationships with their grandchildren while living independently. Research suggests that these grandparents generally demonstrate better health and wellbeing than custodial grandparents. (Danielsbacka et al., 2022).

Positive Aspects of Being A Grandparent

Grandparents who provide care for their grandchildren often demonstrate better cognitive functioning than comparable non-caregiving grandparents (Chereches et al., 2026). Studies have shown improvements in verbal fluency and episodic memory among caregiving grandparents. Participation in leisure activities, educational support, and helping with homework have also been associated with higher levels of cognitive functioning, and improvements in grandmothers’ cognitive status over time.

Other ways that grandparenting can positively influence their health include:

1)  Grandkids Make You Happy-Grandparents may feel happier and report better health, greater life satisfaction, and loneliness due to the release of hormones, such as oxytocin and endorphins, which help reduce stress and promote positive emotions, such as happiness.

2)  They Make You Move- Children encourage physical activity. Whether it taking grandchildren for a walk in the park, attending their sports events, or playing games together, grandparenting can promote a more physically active lifestyle.

3) They Keep You Sharp-Learning new technology, engaging in imaginative play, and helping solve problems can help maintain and sharpen cognitive functioning.  

4) Grandparenting Provides a Social Outlet-Engaging with grandchildren can boost your health by deepening family connections and expanding your social networks through school activities, community events, and other organizations. Emotional and social engagement can boost longevity and well-being in older adults.

5) What if You Don’t Have Grandchildren-Even without grandchildren, older adults can experience many of the benefits associated with intergeneration relationships. Consider participating in intergenerational programs within the community, for example, volunteering as a mentor in an after-school program, or serving as a surrogate grandparent for nieces, nephews, or children in need of supportive adult relationships (Time.com, September 6, 2026).

Intergenerational Relationships and Healthy Aging

Aging is a universal experience, and strong social support systems are crucial for older adults. Individuals who maintain meaningful family and friend relationships across generations, tend to report better overall health and greater life satisfaction.  Encouraging family connections through phone calls, visits, and shared activities can foster emotional stability and overall well-being in older adults (MedCityNews.com, March 14, 2025).

Older adults who maintain strong family ties and intergenerational relationships often report better overall health and greater life satisfaction. The following strategies may help build sustainable intergenerational aging solutions within communities:

1)    Encourage Family Involvement: Provide families with resources that help them balance while supporting their older members.

2)    Expand Community-Based Programs: Governments and non-profits should invest in senior centers, meal delivery programs, transportation programs, and other initiatives that help older adults stay connected and engaged.

3) Promote Housing Solutions for Intergenerational Living.  Support housing solutions that accommodate multiple generations under one roof. Such arrangements can provide daily support, foster social connections, and allow older adults to maintain

independence.

4) Advocate for Policy Changes. Policymakers should prioritize aging-friendly policies, including access to healthcare, caregiver support programs, and age-friendly community planning. An innovative example from the Netherlands, where some college students live in nursing homes at reduced rental rates in exchange for regular social engagement with residents.

5) Leverage Technology for Connection. Training programs that teach older adults how to use technology can significantly improve their digital literacy and reduce social isolation. Programs such as Cyber-Seniors and assistance from younger family members can help older adults develop valuable technology skills (MedCity News, March 14, 2025).

Intergenerational relationships play a vital role in supporting older adults. Beyond the loving presence of grandchildren, communities can foster innovative opportunities to provide seniors with meaningful social connections, emotional support, and a strong sense of belonging.

Custodial Grandparenting

As previously mentioned, custodial grandparenting is associated with lower levels of  health and well-being compared to other grandparenting arrangements (Danielsbacka et al., 2022). Research has shown that not only do custodial grandparents experience elevated levels of stress, but the children in their care often experience stress too (Kaylor-Tapscott & Sullivan, 2024). Additionally, some children may display more externalizing or acting out behaviors, which may be influenced by the grandparent’s parenting practices.

The Bottom Line: Custodial grandparenting can be highly rewarding, but is can be very stressful too!

Caregiving Stress

The level of caregivers’ stress can negatively affect their physical and mental health over time. Caregivers may experience sleep disturbances, reduced physical activity, and emotional strain. The following strategies may help caregivers manage their stress:

• Ask for and accept help. Make a list of specific ways others can assist, such as providing transportation to appointments, preparing meals, or helping with childcare.

  
  

• Focus on what you can do. Recognize that you are doing your best. No one is perfect and perfection is not realistic.

  
  

• Set goals that you can reach. Break large tasks into smaller steps. Make lists to stay organized. Follow a daily routine. Say no to requests that are overwhelming, like hosting big meals.

  
  

• Seek social support. Stay connected to family and friends through various activities such as walking, sharing a coffee break, or talking regularly with them.

  
  

• Take care of your health. Prioritize sleep. Do physical activity on most days. Eat healthy. Drink plenty of water.

  
  

• See your health care provider (HCP). Obtain recommended health screenings and vaccinations. Inform your HCP that you are a caregiver and discuss any concerns. Respite care may be beneficial when you need a temporary break.

  
  

• Signs of caregiver stress. Contact your doctor with the following signs of caregiving stress:

o   Gaining or losing weight

o   Becoming easily angry

o   Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy

o   Feeling sad

o   Having frequent headaches or other health problems

o   Misusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications

o   Missing your own appointments (MayoClinic.org, May 26, 2026).

It is essential that grandparent caregivers have access to the support and resources they need to support their grandchildren, while maintaining their own physical and mental health.

Conclusion

Grandparenting can be a joyful and fulfilling experience, although its effects on health and well-being often depend on family structure, caregiving demands, and the availability of supportive resources. Intergenerational relationships can enhance the health and well-being of grandparents through meaningful family and community connections.

 Because caregiving can be stressful--especially for custodial grandparents-- community services, healthcare providers, and policymakers should make sure that adequate support systems are available. Healthcare providers should routinely assess family structure and screen for caregiver stress during office visits. By supporting grandparents and fostering intergenerational connections, communities can support healthy aging, enhance quality of life, and strengthen family well-being.

References

Blumberg, P. O. (September 6, 2025). How being a grandparent can improve your health. Time.com. 1-11. http://time.com/7302260/grandparent-health-benefits/

Chan, A. (March 14, 2025). Intergenerational relationships and healthy aging: Building networks of support. MedCity News, 1-6. https://medcitynews.com/2025/03/intergenerational-relationships-and-healthy-aging-building-networks-of-support/

Chereches, F. S., Olaru, G., Ballhausen, Nicola, & Brehmer, Y. (2026). Grandparents’ cognition and caregiving for grandchildren: Frequency, type, and variety of activities. Psychology and Aging, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1037/pag0000958

Danielsbacka, M., Krenkova, L., & Tanskanen, A. O. (2022). Grandparenting, health and well-being: A systematic literature review. European Journal of Aging, 19, 341-368. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C19&q=danielsbacka+mirkka&btnG=

Hughes, M., Beach, S., & James, E. (January 16, 2024). Grandparents as caregivers: A changing demographic with unique support needs. Generations Now. https://generations.asaging.org/grandparent-caregivers-changing-unique-needs/

Kaylar-Tapscott, M. L., & Sullivan, M. A. (2024). Caregiver stress, parenting, and child outcomes among grand families. Children and Youth Services Review, 157. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190740923006023

Mayo Clinic (May 26, 2026). Caregiver stress: Tips for taking care of yourself. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/caregiver-stress/art-20044784 

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