Providing regular grandchild care: Grandparents’ psychological and physical health

Objectives: To examine the associations between intensity of providing regular grandchild care and positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA), heart rate variability (HRV) and somatic symptoms. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 104 individuals (aged 59–82) who provide at least 5 h a week of regular care for their grandchildren. The study model was assessed using structural equation modeling. Results: Intensity of regular care (mean hours per week: M = 14.8, SD = 11.2) was associated with higher PA and lower NA. Higher perceived role overload, higher NA and lower PA were associated with lower HRV and somatic symptoms. The fit indices indicated a good model fit. Conclusions: The results suggest that healthcare professionals should be aware of the positive and negative implications of caring for grandchildren on their older patients, including the increased risk of future morbidity, as indicated by lower HRV.