Caring for Grandchildren Might Boost Mental Health in Older Adults

A recent study linked to the American Psychological Association indicates that looking after grandchildren could help counteract the decline in mental health among older adults.

Steve Doocy discussed these findings with grandparents in Florida during an episode of “Fox & Friends.” Many shared that being involved with their families helps keep their minds sharp.

One grandmother remarked, “They’re always chasing and doing things,” emphasizing the importance of staying mentally active.

The study, featured in the journal Psychology and Aging, tracked nearly 3,000 grandparents with an average age of 67.

Results showed that those engaged in childcare performed better on memory and verbal fluency tests compared to their peers who weren’t involved, even after accounting for factors like age and health.

Interestingly, these cognitive benefits were observed regardless of how frequently the grandparents provided care or the types of activities they engaged in.

Another grandmother noted how her grandchildren “are always teaching me,” pointing out that they often know more than she does during educational outings.

One older man highlighted that the key benefit of grandparenting is being “active,” contrasting it with merely “sitting around.”

Another grandparent explained that stepping into the role of caregiver often means “returning to being a child,” which includes physical play and addressing a child’s various needs.

During the conversation, Doocy explored the diverse roles grandparents play, which range from nurturing to providing snacks.

One child chimed in, jokingly saying, “Nana gives us a lot of popsicles,” when discussing the fun activities they share with their grandparents.

However, the study does point out that while caregiving has its perks, there are limits to these benefits.

Flavia Chereches, the lead researcher from Tilburg University in the Netherlands, mentioned that the caregiving environment matters greatly. She indicated that spontaneous, supportive family care is quite different from a stressful or demanding caregiving situation.

Doocy agreed, noting that while there are certainly advantages to caregiving, being the primary caregiver can lead to significant stress.

As one grandparent put it, “We always say yes to our grandparents. Our parents say no, but our grandparents always say yes. That’s why we love them so much,” highlighting the unconditional nature of that special bond.