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Study: Grandparent Caregiving Boosts Older Adults' Cognition

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Tilburg University study finds that grandparent caregiving is associated with higher cognitive scores in older adults.
The study found that the frequency and type of caregiving activities did not significantly affect cognitive decline over time.
The data come from nearly 3,000 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA).
Grandmothers show a slower cognitive decline than grandfathers, suggesting gender differences in caregiving roles.

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Story summary

A Tilburg University study finds that grandparent caregiving is associated with higher cognitive scores in older adults.
The study found that the frequency and type of caregiving activities did not significantly affect cognitive decline over time.
The data come from nearly 3,000 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA).
Grandmothers show a slower cognitive decline than grandfathers, suggesting gender differences in caregiving roles.