Grandparents often describe caring for their grandchildren as a source of joy, purpose, and emotional fulfillment. However, new research suggests that regular childcare responsibilities may also carry hidden mental health risks for older adults.
A recent study has found that elderly grandparents who frequently care for young grandchildren face a higher risk of depression, particularly those aged over 60. The research sheds light on the emotional and physical toll that intensive caregiving can place on seniors.
Across many families, grandparents play a critical role in supporting working parents by providing regular childcare. In the United Kingdom alone, Age UK estimates that around five million grandparents regularly look after their grandchildren. Nearly 90 percent provide care at least once a week, while around one in ten offer daily care, sometimes for five years or more.
Age UK has long highlighted the positive aspects of grandparental involvement, noting that spending time with grandchildren can help older adults remain mentally and physically active while reducing loneliness in later life. For many seniors, such involvement offers routine, social connection, and a strong sense of purpose.
However, the new study, conducted by psychologists at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, suggests these benefits are not universal. Researchers examined more than 400 elderly couples, asking participants how frequently they cared for grandchildren and whether they experienced ongoing feelings of sadness or low mood.
The findings, published in the journal BMC Psychology, revealed a clear age-related divide. Grandparents aged between 50 and 60 did not show an increased risk of depression. In contrast, those over 60, particularly individuals caring for grandchildren or great-grandchildren under the age of six, were significantly more vulnerable.
Researchers attributed the heightened risk to the physical demands of caring for young children, which can be exhausting for older adults. Financial stress was also identified as a contributing factor, as many retirees live on fixed or reduced incomes while absorbing childcare-related expenses.
The study concludes that while grandparents remain an invaluable support for families, the intensity and duration of caregiving should be carefully balanced to protect the mental health and well-being of older adults.
