Grandparents in the United States and the Republic of China: A Comparison of Generations and Cultures

Abstract

Grandparent behaviors in the United States and the Republic of China are examined to identify curriculum themes for helping them adjust to their changing role. The 3,286 non-consanguineous subjects included Chinese (n = 751), African Americans (n = 777), Caucasian Americans (n = 1,086), and Mexican Americans (n = 672). Analyses were performed using 1) Generation with three levels (grandparent, parent, and grandchild) and 2) Culture with four levels (Chinese, African American, Caucasian American, and Mexican American). The results revealed significant differences in perceptions about grandparents across cultures as well as between generations within cultures. All three generations reported grandparent strengths and needs. Specific guidelines and curriculum topics are recommended for education to support grandparent development.

The Perception of Social Support Among U.S. Chinese Older Adults

“…The roles of parent and grandparent are associated with wisdom and power in Chinese culture (Strom et al, 1999). The increased number of children and grandchildren may enhance older adults' self-esteem and satisfaction of the intergenerational relationships.…”

Life Satisfaction of Older Adults in Hong Kong: The Role of Social Support from Grandchildren

“…In addition, a sense of family kinship and continuity relates to a feeling of hope about the future for senior family members (Chow 2004;Lou and Chi 2008). At a practical level, the learning opportunities provided by communicating with grandchildren seemed to bring energy and a new dimension to the 'old' life of grandparents (Lou and Chi 2008;Storm et al 1999). Considering the family-oriented life of older adults of the current generation in Hong Kong, it is understandable that being connected to grandchildren plays a significant role in their life satisfaction.…”

“…Grandparents also experienced learning opportunities such as new computer technology (i.e. e-mail), new values, and connecting with new activities while communicating with adolescent and/or adult grandchildren (Lou and Chi 2008;Storm et al 1999). Thus, this paper focused on the effect of social support from adolescent and/or adult grandchildren on the life satisfaction of older people in Hong Kong.…”

Living Arrangements of the Elderly in China and Consequences for Their Emotional Well-being

“…(see also Mjelde-Mossey et al 2005;Strom et al 1999;Yan 2003). Insofar as this is so, living in households with both grown children and grandchildren should enhance emotional well-being compared to other living arrangements.…”