Want to happier and live longer? Have grandchildren!
Katy Fitzgerald and her grandchildren
Brandi Jenkins and her grandchildren
Katy Fitzgerald and her grandchildren
Brandi Jenkins and her grandchild
Grandparents across the globe are experiencing newfound joy and improved health thanks to their grandchildren. A growing body of research indicates that grandparents who spend quality time with their grandchildren report higher levels of happiness and experience longer lives. The bond garners emotional and health advantages, and is a key factor in promoting well-being for older adults.
A study conducted at the University of California, Berkeley, found that grandparents who regularly engage with their grandchildren report greater life satisfaction and better physical and mental health. The research was published in The Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences and it explores the complex dynamics of grandparent-grandchild relationships, resulting in emotional and physiological advantages of this special connection.
“It is so different than when you have your own kids. I’m not worried about all the extra stuff, I just get to enjoy them,” states Katy Fitzgerald, a “GiGi” to two grandchildren.
The Berkeley study looked at a sample of over 1,500 grandparents aged 60 and older who had regular contact with at least one grandchild. Participants were surveyed about their general life satisfaction, mental health, and physical well-being. The results were striking: grandparents who spent significant time with their grandchildren were consistently happier than those who did not have close relationships with their grandchildren. IT was concluded this is likely due to grandchildren providing a new sense of purpose.
According to National Institute on Aging, Psychology Today, Harvard Health Publishing
“ It was really hard when both of my kids left the nest, for 20 years my whole life revolved around them. And then one day that purpose felt gone. The boys ( her three grandchildren) brought that back for me,” states Brandi Jenkins.
National Institute on Aging, Psychology Today, Harvard Health Publishing
“It’s hard not to have a smile on your face when you’re with them (her grandchildren), they make everything better, and more fun. I looked forward to seeing them everyday, and miss them when I can’t,” states Jenkins.
Moreover, grandchildren offer opportunities for grandparents to engage in activities that promote physical health. Whether it’s playing in the park, going for walks, or helping with homework, these interactions can help grandparents stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The act of caring for grandchildren has also been associated with increased physical activity levels, which, in turn, can reduce the risk of obesity, arthritis, and other age-related conditions.
“They keep me on my toes. A large reason I workout is so I can keep up with them. I always want to be able to be engaged and stay healthy so I can watch them grow up,” states Jenkins.
According to the study, older adults often have to battle isolation as they grow older. Grandchildren is one way to combat this feeling, and replace it with joy and fulfillment. Oddly enough, the study also found that grandparents even feel a stronger emotional bond to their grandchildren than their own kids. It is theorized that this is due to grandparents ability to have positive stress free interactions.
“Anything goes at GiGi’s house, that’s the fun part. I don’t have to worry about the rules,” states Fitzgerald.
These emotional benefits in turn boost physical health, including lower stress levels, better immune function, and even a lower risk of chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease. Researchers at the University of Miami have found that grandparents who are actively involved in their grandchildren’s lives report lower levels of depression and anxiety, compared to those who are less engaged. The study, which examined the mental health of 900 grandparents in Florida, revealed that those who had frequent interactions with their grandchildren experienced improved mood, better cognitive function, and a more positive outlook on life.
Dr. Karen H. Lee, a psychologist involved in the study, highlights the role of grandchildren in enhancing grandparents’ sense of purpose. Lee says that caring for or spending time with grandchildren gives older adults something to look forward to and a reason to stay physically active and mentally engaged.
A study conducted in 2020 by the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Germany found that grandparents who are involved in the lives of their grandchildren tend to live longer than those who are not. The results showed that grandparents who actively participated in their grandchildren's upbringing had a 30% higher chance of living beyond the average life expectancy for their age group.
“That ( research findings) doesn’t shock me at all, my parents are 90 and have 18 grandchildren and three great great children, they’re still making it around like they are 60, and their calendar is full of all their events,” states Fitzgerald.
Involved grandparents is a win win situation. Grandparents get a more joy filled, longer life and parents get help through the stress of raising children. The “village” or multi-generation household seems like they ideal way for all parties involved to raise children.
“ I am just waiting for my in law quarter so I can see them everyday, “ jokes Jenkins.