Impact mechanisms of grandparental care on social isolation among older migrants: evidence from a megacity in China

This study shows grandparental childcare alleviates older migrants' social isolation (as reflected by higher LSNS-6 scores) by enhancing social participation, with settlement intention moderating the link between social participation and social isolation. Notably, temporary residence mentality may strengthen social participation's positive effect, offering new evidence for explaining migrants' "cultural barriers." Future research should examine mediating variables like language ability and cultural identity to inform differentiated social integration policies.