Intergenerational Socialization: A Protective Factor Against Social Isolation and Loneliness

Background and Purpose

Social isolation and loneliness are significant concerns for older adults, particularly for older immigrants, who face unique challenges such as acculturation, language barriers, loss, and decreased social networks. Although it has been reported that most older immigrants migrate to provide childcare support for their adult children. The impact of the caregiving role for grandchildren on social isolation and loneliness among older immigrants remains understudied. Thus, this study aims to explore the role of caregiving among older African immigrants experiencing social isolation and loneliness.

Methods

This study utilized a narrative design to explore the experiences of 11 older African immigrants aged 63-79 who provide grandchild care in the United States. The participants were recruited using purposive sampling methods. In-depth interviews were conducted with each participant, and the data were transcribed and coded by two independent coders. Themes and patterns were identified using inductive thematic analysis. The data's validity and reliability were assessed using trustworthiness, dependability, and member checking.

Results

Findings from the analysis show that all the participants came to the US to provide childcare for their grandchildren. Although the results also show that they lack social interactions with their friends and other members of their community, they reported being significantly active with their grandchildren. Five themes emerged from the participants' narrative; 1) active engagement: " When I babysit, I can't sit on a spot... it keeps me more active and alert." 2), intergenerational reciprocity: "My grandchildren are teaching me how to speak English." 3) Caring role is stressful but rewarding: "It is God's duty... I am happy to come here to care for them." 4) social isolation and loneliness decrease: "If not, we have grandchildren, the small ones that are entertaining us, we might be lonely." 5) multiple roles: "The grandchildren are my immediate constituency." The findings reveal that engaging with children promotes socialization and helps reduce loneliness and social isolation when interactions with peers in the community are lacking due to language barriers and cultural differences. Similarly, intergenerational engagement was found to be beneficial as both grandparents and grandchildren experience a reciprocal relationship. The grandparents learn how to speak the English language from the grandchildren and the grandparents provide a caring role which includes domestic duties, supervision, and babysitting. Further engaging in multiple activities helps the grandparent to stay active which also helps with their physical well-being.

Conclusions and Implications

This study highlights childcare as a protective factor against social isolation and loneliness among older immigrants facing language barriers and limited community interactions. Practitioners and policymakers can provide additional support for older immigrants by connecting them to peers in the community, advocating for multicultural activities in aging programs, and providing childcare support at aging centers to help promote mental well-being. Future research should examine the effects of peer-to-peer interactions among older immigrants and natives using a quantitative approach.