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

INTRODUCTION: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. DISCUSSION: 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.