Abstract
<p>Loneliness is a phenomenon associated with older age and linked to lower well-being and other adverse outcomes. While the factors contributing to loneliness and potential remedies for its reduction have received growing attention, little consideration has been given to grandchild caregiving as a meaningful and socially integrative activity that may ameliorate loneliness—despite its potential both to constrain social participation and to enhance it. This study examines the association between grandparental caregiving and loneliness, with specific attention to the role of macro-socio-cultural context within Europe. We use data from individuals aged 50–90 participating in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. Within-person fixed-effects modeling across five waves reveals a negative association between the intensity of grandparental care and loneliness. Tests across groups of European countries differentiated by their individualistic and collectivistic orientations reveal that grandparental care is associated with lower loneliness in individualistic countries and with higher loneliness in the most collectivistic countries. Results are discussed in terms of the broader social consequences of grandparenting and are interpreted as consistent with the possibility that caregiving is particularly beneficial in contexts where it is experienced as a more voluntary activity.</p>