Caring for Grandchildren and Grandparents’ Cognitive Aging Changes: An Empirical Study

Against the backdrop of population aging and the prevalence of intergenerational care in China, this study examines the impact of grandchild care on middle-aged and older adults’ cognitive function. It analyzes 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) data using an empirical approach that combines causal inference methods (OLS, IV, PSM) with KHB mediation analysis. The analysis reveals a significant positive association between caregiving activities and enhanced cognitive performance, although this benefit gradually diminishes at high-intensity care levels. The caregiving group exhibits three distinctive patterns: (a) an inverted U-shaped relationship between care intensity and cognitive benefits, with moderate-intensity care providing the greatest cognitive improvement; (b) compared to non-caregivers, both newly commenced care and continuous care are associated with improved cognitive function, with newly commenced care demonstrating a more pronounced effect; and (c) the positive cognitive effects of grandchild care are consistent among individuals with both agricultural and non-agricultural household registration (hukou) status. Furthermore, receiving intergenerational financial support and participating in social activities are identified as significant mediating mechanisms. This study recommends promoting moderate-intensity care, strengthening intergenerational economic support, and encouraging social participation to enhance cognitive health in later life. Policy efforts should focus on building supportive community environments and improving grandparent caregivers’ access to social resources.