Health Issues in Skipped Generation Households

This chapter focuses on the health of grandparents and grandchildren in skipped generation households and how they seek to improve their health and wellbeing. Various studies have shown that members of skipped generation households are faced with health challenges. The burden of care in skipped generation households puts the grandparents and grandchildren at risk of physical and mental illness (Wen et al., 2019; Hongthai & Jongudomkarn (2021). The members of the households are also vulnerable to socio-emotional health issues and general wellbeing deficits. However, other studies like Sheikomar et al. (2022) stated the positive influence that grandparents have on the health of their grandchildren, especially when the grandchildren are young. The reciprocal impact of grandparents and grandchildren in improving their health is considered. The contributory role of resilience and social support which serves as a protective factor for grandparents and grandchildren has been noted (Fruhauf et al., 2022). Explanations from role strain theory and the social-ecological model of health and behaviour are considered. The health susceptibility factors are examined, and the contributing effects of social support networks on health are explored. The chapter concludes with issues around health-seeking behaviour and healthcare utilisation of individuals in skipped generation households.