The multiple mediating roles of depression and grandchild care in the relationship between social participation and cognitive function among middle-aged and elderly Chinese: an empirical study based on CHARLS 2020 data

Social participation not only directly improves cognitive function but also indirectly enhances it by reducing depression and increasing grandchild caregiving engagement among middle-aged and elderly individuals. However, while the mediating effect of grandchild care is statistically significant, its effect size remains relatively small, suggesting that its overall contribution to cognitive function should be interpreted with caution. In contrast, depression demonstrates a more substantial mediating effect, highlighting the critical role of mental health in cognitive aging. Given these findings, policy should prioritize interventions that mitigate depression as a primary pathway for enhancing cognitive function in aging populations. Expanding social participation opportunities should be a key strategy, particularly in the central and eastern regions, among individuals under 60 years old, those with lower income levels, and urban residents, to ensure equitable access to cognitive health benefits. Additionally, while grandchild caregiving may serve as a meaningful form of social engagement, its effects on cognitive function appear to be complex and context-dependent. Future research should explore the long-term impact of caregiving intensity and emotional burden on cognitive health to better inform aging policies and intergenerational support programs.