Grandparent Caregiving and Epigenetic Aging Among Midlife and Older Adults in the United States
2024
Grandparent Caregiving and Epigenetic Aging
Sample size: 488
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Bhat Aarti, Trexberg Kaitlin, Apsley Abner, Almeida David, Shalev Idan
Primary Institution: The Pennsylvania State University
Hypothesis
How does grandparent caregiving affect aging processes as measured by epigenetic clocks?
Conclusion
Prolonged grandparent caregiving may contribute to increased stress and health deterioration at a molecular level.
Supporting Evidence
- 18.65% of grandparents reported taking on major responsibility for raising grandchild(ren) for 6+ months.
- Among those providing care, the mean number of years caring for grandchild(ren) was 5.27.
- Significant associations were found between grandparent caregiving and some epigenetic clocks.
Takeaway
Taking care of grandkids can be really hard for grandparents, and it might make them age faster inside their bodies.
Methodology
The study examined associations between grandparent caregiving and several epigenetic clocks using data from the MIDUS study.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 59.41; 30.94% Black; 6.56% other non-white race; 60.04% female.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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