# The moderating role of caring for grandchildren in the relationship between functional abilities and depression of aged parents in rural China

## TL;DR

Caring for grandchildren reduces depression in older rural Chinese adults, especially those with higher functional abilities.

## Contribution

This study identifies caregiving for grandchildren as a moderator in the relationship between functional abilities and depression in rural China.

## Key findings

- Higher functional ability is linked to lower depression levels among older adults.
- Caregiving for grandchildren significantly reduces depression, especially for those with higher functional abilities.

## Abstract

This study investigates the impact of functional abilities on depression among rural older adults in China, with a focus on the moderating role of caregiving for grandchildren.

Using data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), 4,366 valid responses were analyzed. Hierarchical regression was employed to examine the relationships between IADL, caregiving, and depression.

The findings indicate that higher functional ability is associated with lower depression levels (β = −0.402, p < 0.001), and caregiving for grandchildren significantly moderates this relationship (β = −0.203, p < 0.001). Specifically, older adults with higher functional ability who care for grandchildren experience greater reductions in depression.

The study concludes that caregiving for grandchildren buffers the negative effects of functional abilities decline on depression, highlighting the mental health benefits of intergenerational caregiving in rural China.