Is grandparenting a form of social engagement that benefits cognition in ageing?

• Grandparents are an increasingly popular form of childcare globally.
• Grandparenting provides a form of daily activity that can stimulate cognitive mechanisms and optimise cognitive ageing.
• Highly frequent grandparenting has been associated with lower cognitive abilities, which may be due to the demands of the role.
• Many support services available to grandparents are aimed at those who are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren; supplementary caregivers are generally ineligible.

Social engagement is a lifestyle factor that has received much attention in preventative research. Numerous studies in the current literature have argued the importance of social engagement in ageing, particularly for cognitive health. One key example of social engagement in later life is the role of a grandparent. This role promotes a socially active lifestyle that may be beneficial to cognitive ageing. Recent research has found that spending some time with grandchildren is beneficial; however, the pressures and responsibilities characteristic of this role should also be taken into consideration, as they may have opposing effects on cognitive health. Given the current popularity of grandparenting as a form of childcare, the interests of the grandparents and the impact on ageing health need to be carefully considered.