Articles tagged with Grandparents
A study published in PLOS Biology found that brain synchrony between people of different generations increases when they create art together, predicting feelings of loneliness or social connection. Brain synchrony decreases between same-generation pairs, suggesting a dynamic relationship between social connections and brain activity.
A digital therapy platform, iACT4CARERS, has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in dementia carers after three and six months. The study, which involved almost 500 volunteers, found that carers using the platform had lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to those receiving usual care alone.
A psychologist warns of the profound psychological implications of gifting or taking a DNA test, including identity disruption, acceptance challenges, and data security worries. The decision requires careful consideration to ensure recipients can cope with unexpected outcomes.
Leading child psychologist Dr. Barish argues that grandparents have a crucial role to play in helping children develop a sense of purpose beyond personal success and in providing emotional support. He recommends practices like volunteering together and frequent family conversations about kindness and understanding.
A study of single older adults aged 60-83 reveals they still value sexual activity in romantic relationships, with 97% emphasizing its importance. Participants sought romance and physical connection, viewing sex as essential to their partnerships.
Experts like Amber Chandler suggest solutions such as no-tech public spaces, phone-free bedtimes, and hands-on problem-solving to help teenagers cope with unprecedented anxiety. Chandler's book offers evidence-based strategies to nurture belonging in a 'scared new world'.
Regular grandparental care can ease the pressures on parents but may have negative impacts on children's health, with some children showing poorer general health in studies of over 11,000 kids. Grandparental care also benefits parents' satisfaction rates, particularly mothers and fathers.
A new study by Cornell researchers found that nearly half of U.S. grandchildren (47%) live within 10 miles of a grandparent, with significant numbers even closer. Families living closer together tend to have lower socioeconomic status but spend more time and money on each other.
A study by University of Arizona researchers found that nearly half of the time American children spend with their grandparents involves interacting with or watching media on a screen. Grandparents may want to watch along with their grandchildren or just want to understand what the children are watching.
A new poll by Michigan Medicine reveals that having grandchildren and regularly seeing them can have a positive impact on older adults' mental health. Grandparents who care for their grandchildren under 18 or see them frequently are less likely to feel isolated and report better mental health.
Researchers found that people who experience certain family events, such as late parents' death or becoming grandparents late, accumulate the most wealth. In contrast, childless individuals, especially those with a late parents' death, outperform others in the long run. The study suggests that individual wealth is linked to the broader...
The NTU Singapore-led study found that mothers whose parents help with childcare are more likely to show their children parental warmth. Mothers who received childcare support from maternal grandparents also reported engaging in more positive parenting, characterized by warmth and responsiveness.
A new study highlights the importance of providing developmental supports to young victims of serious child abuse before they start school. Researchers found that children who were removed from their homes and entered out-of-home care were more likely to be developmentally delayed in some areas, but also vulnerable in other areas. The ...
New research found that maternal grandmothers' investment in grandchildren who experienced adverse early life experiences can significantly reduce emotional and behavioral problems. The study suggests that supportive caregiving from grandparents can protect children from negative effects of early adversity-induced behavioral issues.
A University of Turku study found that maternal grandmother investment improves grandchildren's well-being, particularly after facing adversities. This support can have lasting effects into adulthood, reducing risks of premature death and lower likelihood of having children.
The structure of families is projected to change significantly, with grandparents and great-grandparents increasing in age and number, while cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren declining. This shift could limit their ability to help raise grandchildren.
A recent study found that grandparent childcare does not significantly impact maternal mental health and wellbeing, nor does it reduce mother-child conflict. In fact, poor maternal wellbeing at age three was linked to poor child social and emotional outcomes at age seven.
A study led by Washington State University researcher found that half a million children lived in 'doubled-up' households with grandparents during the pandemic. These arrangements were mainly driven by economic and instrumental needs, such as childcare and elder care, outweighing health concerns.
A WVU study found that children from non-traditional family structures, such as single-parent households and multi-generational families, face difficulties accessing healthcare. The research highlights the need for providers to be aware of the unique challenges faced by these families and to adapt their services accordingly.
A UCL-led study found that grandparents who stopped looking after their grandchildren during the Covid-19 pandemic were more likely to experience depressive symptoms. The study also found that reduced grandparental childcare provision was linked to lower life satisfaction and quality of life among grandparents.
A study analyzing U.S. data from 1984-2017 found that grandparents' wealth is strongly positively correlated with their younger generation's asset components. However, Black individuals tend to be less invested in risky assets even after adjusting for intergenerational transfers.
A new study suggests that a unique gene variant supporting cognitive health in older humans may have first emerged to protect against infectious pathogens like gonorrhea. This variant, linked to CD33, allows brain immune cells to break down damaged brain cells and amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.
A new study suggests that losing a grandmother may have a significant impact on adolescent boys, leading to a 50% increase in depressive symptoms. The researchers also found that the loss of a grandparent can be a risk factor for teen depression and other negative outcomes.
A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC found that interpersonal problems, such as loneliness and relationship dissatisfaction, predict vulnerability to financial exploitation in older adults. Social connectedness is shown to be a key protector against financial abuse.
A study by University of Turku found that grandparents' support decreases with adverse experiences in children's families. However, maternal grandmothers' support remains consistent. The study suggests that future prospects for successful reproduction may impact grandparents' willingness to offer support.
Belgian researchers have developed an all-in-one test to identify healthy embryos for transfer, reducing the risk of passing de novo genetic diseases. The test uses long read sequencing and can detect copy number variants and single nucleotide variants in a single workflow.
Research suggests that healthcare musicians can help families cope with premature infants in intensive care by creating an intimate atmosphere and improving their relationship. Music practitioners work collaboratively with medical staff to provide emotional support and create a sense of calm during difficult times.
A study published in The Lancet estimates that over 1.5 million children worldwide have lost a parent, custodial grandparent, or other older relative due to COVID-19-related deaths. This phenomenon, known as orphanhood, has severe and long-lasting consequences for children's mental health and wellbeing. To address this issue, evidence-...
A new study estimates that 1.5 million children worldwide have experienced the death of a parent, custodial grandparent, or other relative who cared for them as a result of COVID-19. Children who have lost a parent or caregiver are at risk of profound short- and long-term adverse effects on their health, safety, and wellbeing.
A study found that children think robots can assist with various tasks for older adults, such as Pepper and Tessa, but are more doubtful about helping their own grandparents. The Uncanny Valley phenomenon may contribute to this skepticism, where human-like robots become less intimidating when assigned a clear task.
A new analysis reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in nearly 1.22 million Americans losing a close relation, with young people and Black Americans disproportionately affected. The study found that each death corresponds to approximately 9 bereaved individuals, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the crisis on families.
A recent study by George Mason University reveals the complexities faced by grandfamilies, including relationship, situational, and emotional complexity. The Theory of Compounding Complexity provides a framework for service providers to better support these families.
An observational study of over 1.4 million children found a possible link between the age of grandparents and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in grandchildren. The research suggests that older grandparents may be at a higher risk for having grandchildren with ASD.
Research published in BMJ Open suggests that active grandparenting is associated with lower scores on loneliness and social isolation. Grandparents who care for their grandchildren have larger social networks and are in regular contact with more important people.
A 12-month trial in Guangzhou found significant reduction in weight gain among children participating in a physical activity and healthy eating intervention. The CHIRPY DRAGON programme also improved fruit and vegetable consumption, less screen time, and more physical activity.
A study by Rutgers University found that grandparents allow their grandchildren an average of two hours of screen time during a four-hour visit, highlighting the need for parental guidance. Grandparents, particularly fathers, tend to permit more interactive screen time, while mothers and younger children benefit from stricter rules.
Bias and honesty are key factors in determining source credibility, a study by Ohio State University researchers found. People tend to distrust biased sources, even if they believe the information is true. In contrast, untruthful news isn't the only issue for consumers; objective sources can still lose credibility if perceived as biased.
A new poll suggests that many grandparents are storing their medications in easy-to-reach places, posing a risk of accidental poisoning or intentional misuse. The poll found that nearly 80% of grandparents keep their medications in the same place as usual when their grandchildren visit, and 72% store them in purses or bags.
A large study found that grandsons whose paternal grandfathers had high access to food during childhood are more likely to die from cancer and other causes. The researchers suggest that epigenetic changes may be responsible for this association, but more research is needed.
Researchers found that grandparents raising grandchildren face similar challenges to biological parents but report no difference in coping mechanisms. Grandparents are more likely to experience physical and mental health problems, lower education levels, and single status, while grandchildren may exhibit behavioral issues.
A new study found a consistent link between maternal grandmother and grandchild abdominal obesity, suggesting an intrauterine or environmental effect. The association was seen in both time points analyzed, from age 5 to 9 years old.
A new study found that young people who have good contact with their grandparents have the lowest levels of ageism. Poor quality of contact was the most important factor associated with ageist stereotypes in children and adolescents.
A study by Northwell Health pediatrician Dr. Andrew Adesman reveals nearly one-quarter of grandparents don't know proper sleeping positions for babies, a major risk factor for SIDS. Grandparents may also struggle with limited socialization and emotional health due to their parenting responsibilities.
A new four-year study, funded by a $2 million NIH grant, will test a web-based program designed to help grandmothers manage the stresses of caring for their grandchildren. The program aims to improve coping skills and reduce emotional and physical fallout associated with this demanding role.
An international research team found that grandparents who provide occasional childcare outlive those who do not. Additionally, childless older adults who offer emotional support also benefit from lower mortality rates.
A recent study found that 80% of Chinese-American grandparents who cared for their grandchildren did not experience negative effects. In fact, they reported higher levels of happiness and lower symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to those who didn't care for their grandchildren.
Bert Hayslip Jr., a renowned gerontologist, has been awarded the GSA's 2016 Distinguished Career Contribution to Gerontology Award for his groundbreaking research on aging. His work focuses on noncognitive influences on intellectual functioning, grandparenthood, and interventions to improve cognitive functioning.
A study found that having depressed parents and grandparents increases the risk of depression in grandchildren, with a threefold increased risk when both generations are affected. This suggests early intervention may be beneficial for families with a history of depression.
A new study found that younger grandmothers face different needs and require unique types of support to manage depression and improve their mental health quality of life. The study suggests that age affects the effectiveness of social support services, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.
A recent study found that the US safety net system is failing grandmothers who are raising their grandchildren due to poverty. Despite being eligible for benefits, many were unable to access resources or had to make sacrifices to care for their grandchildren.
Single grandparents caring for grandchildren are at a higher risk of poor physical and mental health compared to single parents. The study found that solo grandparents fare worse in four critical health areas: physical health, mental health, functional limitations, and health behaviors.
Researchers at University of Cambridge found earliest example of reproduction in rangeomorphs, a type of ancient organism. They replicated their distribution using spatial statistics and modeling, finding dual mode of reproduction involving waterborne propagules and stolons.
A study by the University of Birmingham found that Chinese children cared for mainly by their grandparents are more than twice as likely to be overweight or obese. Grandparents often indulge and protect their grandkids, leading to unhealthy eating habits and a lack of physical activity.
A new study mapping the genetic makeup of the British Isles reveals distinct groups clustered by geography, contradicting traditional Celtic identity. The research found separate genetic groups in Cornwall and Devon, as well as a single homogeneous group in eastern, central, and southern England.
A recent study at the University of Eastern Finland found that grandparents' help with childcare and emotional support influence mothers' decisions to have additional children. Additionally, parental grandparents' involvement is associated with fewer emotional and behavioral problems in grandchildren.
A new study from Duke University suggests that living with grandparents can exacerbate the baby blues in some mothers. Married and single mothers who live in multi-generational households experience higher rates of depression, while cohabiting couples without marriage benefits from having one or more grandparents in the house. The find...
A study by Boston College researchers found that grandparents and adult grandchildren have a measurable impact on each other's psychological well-being. An emotionally close relationship is associated with fewer symptoms of depression for both, while tangible support affects grandparents' psychological health.
Researchers found a significant association between grandparents' and grandchildren's social class positions, even after parents' education and income were considered. The 'grandparents effect' suggests that grandparents' class background influences children's occupational choices.
A team of scientists has discovered that a toxic protein, FMRpolyG, is made in an abnormal way due to a gene mutation, leading to Fragile X-associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS). This unusual translation process, known as RAN translation, may hold the key to better treatments for older adults with the condition.
A new study by Ohio State University reveals that younger generations have significantly higher credit card debt and slower repayment rates compared to previous generations. Increasing the minimum monthly payment can lead to faster debt repayment, potentially saving individuals years of financial burden.