Work

Providing Help in Europe: Are In-Household Care and Outside-Household Support Associated With Grandparental Child care?

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Grandparental child care is a vital form of social support that can enhance family well-being. Prior studies have found that older adults who provide support to one individual are more likely to offer help to others within their families and social networks. However, little research has examined whether helping others is associated with grandparental child care. Using data from the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe, covering 27 countries, and using multinomial regression models, we show that (a) support provided to individuals outside the household is associated with increased grandparental child care, whereas (b) family care provided within the household is not. The findings are further discussed with particular attention to their societal implications.

Source: Families in Society The Journal of Contemporary Social Services

DOI: 10.1177/10443894251414815

Authors: Roosa-Maria Savela, David A. Coall, Mirkka Danielsbacka, Antti O. Tanskanen

Institutions: University of Turku, Edith Cowan University, The University of Western Australia, Väestöliitto

Language: English

Topic: Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650