Grandfathers / “Abuelos”

Posted on by Leandris C. Liburd, PhD, MPH, MA


Grandfathers

Men’s Health Month and Father’s Day were officially celebrated in June, but as wives, daughters, and partners, every day we recognize the unique social, cultural, and economic challenges affecting men’s health and particularly men of color. I’m excited about the growing attention to men’s health as evidenced by the number of scientific journals devoted to men’s health, as well as new investments in research involving men of color. For example, our sister agency, the National Institute for Minority Health and Health Disparities at the National Institutes of Health recently awarded a grant to Hampton University – in partnership with five other historically black colleges and universities, to conduct “innovative trans-disciplinary research to effectively reduce health disparities in minority men.”1 Once understudied, there is more research emerging in the literature to inform public health practice intending to improve health outcomes among men of color. The July 2013 special issue of the American Journal of Men’s Health, for example, focuses on theoretical frameworks, interventions, and qualitative and quantitative analyses needed to better explain and address preventable health disparities among African American men.2

While grandparents who serve as primary caregivers for their grandchildren are disproportionately black and Hispanic, the increase in grandparent primary caregiving across the decade has been much more pronounced among whites.4

So, why write a blog about grandfathers? One child in ten in the United States lives with a grandparent. About four in ten (41%) of those children who live with a grandparent (or grandparents) are also being raised primarily by that grandparent. Some 62% of grandparent caregivers are female, and 38% are men.3 Grandfathers can play an important nurturing role with grandchildren, and there is growing evidence that engaged grandfathers experience better mental health as they age.4

Grandparents as caregivers for grandchild

I have very fond memories of my own grandfather. He was tall, dark, and handsome; strong and lean. When I was a little girl, he would meet me after school, and we’d walk home together. My grandmother gave him the responsibility for making sure I practiced my piano lessons. Invariably, he would fall asleep while I played the piano, and I would have to wake him to ask permission to go outside and play. When my grandfather was happy, he would sing “Hello Dolly” – a popular song of the late jazz trumpeter and singer Louis Armstrong.

Just before my 11th birthday, I remember my grandfather complaining that his “palate was down.” His home remedy for this condition was to place salt and pepper on the tip of the handle of a spoon and apply it to his uvula. After several weeks of doing this without any relief, my grandmother convinced him to go to the doctor.

My grandfather was diagnosed with advanced stage esophageal cancer. Surgery was attempted, but the cancer had metastasized to other parts of his body and the doctors said there was nothing more they could do. He died six months later.

As we prepare for October 1, 2013, and the six-month open enrollment period to access coverage through the new Health Insurance Marketplace, it is a good time to address men’s health and well-being. Ensuring men take advantage of health care is a family and community affair.
3 generations of men

Let’s rally to improve men’s health across the lifecycle. As we encourage young people to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace, let’s also urge them to explain the new health insurance options to their grandparents who are under the age of 65. Show them how to enroll. According to the Pew Research Center on Social & Demographic Trends, grandparent primary caregivers are relatively young—more than two-thirds (67%) are younger than 60, with 13% younger than 45. If you or your grandfather is under age 65 and not yet eligible for Medicare, and is without health insurance, now is the time to act!

If family members or friends have questions about The Health Insurance Marketplace, go to HealthCare.gov or the Spanish version, CuidadoDeSalud.gov, now and in the coming weeks and months. Every state will have its own marketplace, easily accessible online or by phone. People who enroll by December 15, 2013 can start getting insurance benefits as soon as January 1, 2014.

So, what is standing between you and enrolling in the new Health Insurance Marketplace?

References:
1. Hampton University News. “HU receives $13.5 million grant to combat health disparities in minority men.” 07/12/2013 – #2. http://news.hamptonu.edu/release/
2. Leonard Jack and Derek M. Griffith. “The Health of African American Men: Implications for Research and Practice.” Am J Mens Health 2013 7: 5S-7S originally published online 24 May 2013;
3. Livingston, G. and Parker, K. “Since the start of the Great Recession, more children raised by grandparents.” ew Research. Social and Demographic Trends. September 9, 2010. http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/
4. James S. Bates and Alan C. Taylor. “Grandfather involvement and aging men’s mental health.” Am J Mens Health 2012 6:229-239 originally published online 28 February 2012.

Posted on by Leandris C. Liburd, PhD, MPH, MA

20 comments on “Grandfathers / “Abuelos””

Comments listed below are posted by individuals not associated with CDC, unless otherwise stated. These comments do not represent the official views of CDC, and CDC does not guarantee that any information posted by individuals on this site is correct, and disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. Read more about our comment policy ».

    Plus, I was touched by your grandfather’s story – late stage cancer happens way too often. You had me in the moment. I could see him falling to sleep, as you practiced every note. I thought about my own grandfather and his late stage fight with throat cancer. The memories beckoned me to read further. Thanks for the fresh references.

    Be well,
    Myretta

    P.S. Do you still play the piano by chance? 🙂

    I’m still learning from you, as I’m trying to achieve my goals. I certainly enjoy reading all that is written on your blog. Keep the posts coming. I enjoyed it!

    Lovely blog! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am taking your feeds also.

    I simply want to tell you that I truly enjoyed this blog site. You absolutely have wonderful well written articles. Many thanks for sharing your web-site.

    Usually I do not post on blogs, but I would like to say that this article really forced me to do so! Thanks, really nice article.

    Thank you for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research on this. We got a book from our local library but I think I learned more from this post. I’m very glad to see such wonderful info being shared freely out there.

    A great and useful piece of information. Im happy that you shared this helpful information with us. Thank you for sharing.

    I’m new to this, I stumbled upon this and I’ve found it positively helpful, it has aided me and I am hoping to contribute different users like it has helped me. Good job.

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All comments posted become a part of the public domain, and users are responsible for their comments. This is a moderated site and your comments will be reviewed before they are posted. Read more about our comment policy »

Page last reviewed: March 3, 2015
Page last updated: March 3, 2015