Researchers examined intergenerational support and its connections to health using data from more than 38,000 adults across Europe. The study notes that grown children, parents and grandparents commonly rely on one another, and such ties may become more frequent as populations age. The analysis shows that these family patterns are widespread and deserve attention from scholars, policymakers and health professionals.
The authors report that relationships between support and health are more complicated than previously assumed. While help across generations often exists in family life, its effects on physical and mental health are not straightforward. The researchers say it is uncertain whether specific kinds of support improve health, harm it, or have no clear effect.
Possible next steps include more detailed research into the types of help exchanged and their timing, and clearer measurement of these patterns. Anna Manzoni, a coauthor and sociology professor at NC State, explains that the study highlights issues that need closer study. Policymakers and health professionals may use further evidence to design services that respond to common family arrangements.
Difficult words
- intergenerational — between different age groups in families
- examine — to study or look at carefullyexamined
- support — help provided to someone in need
- ties — connections between people or groups
- widespread — found in many places or among many people
- policymaker — people who make public rules or decisionspolicymakers
- complicated — not simple; having many connected parts
- timing — the choice or arrangement of when actions happen
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could clearer measurement of family support patterns help health professionals design better services?
- What challenges might researchers face when studying the timing and types of help exchanged in families?
- In what ways could aging populations change common family arrangements and the demand for health services?
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