The long-term impact of childhood grandparent co-residence on self-perception of aging and depressive symptoms in older adulthood.

OBJECTIVES: Grounded in life course theory, this study examines the long-term impact of childhood grandparent co-residence on self-perception of aging (SPA) and depressive symptoms in older adulthood, comparing young-old adults (65-74 years) and old-old adults (75+ years) in the United States.

METHODS: Data were drawn from the Health and Retirement Study across 3 time points (T1: 2008/2010, T2: 2012/2014, and T3: 2016/2018), with a sample of 9,070 adults aged 65 and older. Longitudinal mediation analysis was employed to explore the relationships between childhood grandparent co-residence, SPA, and depressive symptoms, stratified by age group.

RESULTS: Childhood grandparent co-residence was positively associated with SPA (B = 0.06, p < .05) and depressive symptoms (B = 0.14, p < .001) among young-old adults. SPA partially mediated this relationship (B = -0.03, bias-corrected CI = [-0.04, -0.02]), buffering the detrimental impact on depressive symptoms. These associations were not significant among old-old adults. SPA was negatively associated with depressive symptoms in both young-old (B = -0.46, p < .001) and old-old adults (B = -0.45, p < .001).

DISCUSSION: Given the significant association between SPA and depressive symptoms, SPA-targeted interventions can help reduce depressive symptoms in both groups. Special attention should be given to young-old adults with childhood grandparent co-residence experiences. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help reinterpret these experiences by reshaping negative thoughts and encouraging a more positive view of family dynamics. Further research is needed to address the specific needs of old-old adults to promote their well-being.