- The lack of access doubled the chances of a decline in mental health
- Lonely older couples unable to see or hug grandchildren had worse mood
Grandparents barred from seeing their grandchildren during Covid-19 lockdowns were twice as likely to suffer depression as a result, a major new study shows.
Researchers found the lack of access doubled the chances of a decline in mental health compared to those allowed to stay in touch with their families.
The findings, by researchers from University College London, highlight the enormous psychological toll lockdown measures had on fractured family units.
Lonely older couples unable to see or hug grandchildren had worse mood, poorer quality of life and lower life satisfaction scores.
Many had been providing regular childcare before the pandemic struck. But more than a third of those forced to stop looking after grandchildren reported high rates of depression as a result.
Grandparents barred from seeing their grandchildren during Covid-19 lockdowns were twice as likely to suffer depression as a result, a major new study shows