Are Grandchildren the Magic Elixir for a Long Life?

When I was a single mom to young kids, I made lots of bargains with God, trying to ensure that I would live long enough to see them off to college. That was all I needed, I said in my prayers, just get my babies raised, and then I can go peacefully. Of course, I kept upping the ante, wanting to see them graduate college, start careers, and get married. Then the grandbabies came, and I was back to square one. I now pray to live long enough to see my precious grandchildren become adults. That may be asking a lot when my youngest grandchild is only four, and I’m like a meteor hurtling through space about to crash into sixty-seven. But maybe there’s hope for me. Recent studies show being involved with grandkids can help you live longer!

It’s not quite as clear-cut as you might think. Your children having children doesn’t automatically increase your life span; you must be in the sweet spot of being involved but not having too much responsibility for grandparenting to be a positive factor in your longevity. A recent study followed 500 grandparents over twenty years. The results showed that people actively involved with their grandchildren had a 37% lower mortality risk, including variables such as age, socioeconomic status, and physical health.

Another study in Australia measured the cognitive functioning of women who babysit their grandchildren once a week versus women who babysit five times a week and non-babysitters. The women who babysat once a week scored 27% higher on cognitive tests than the non-babysitters. However, the women who babysat five times a week scored 18% lower on cognitive tests. Apparently, moderation is key! I’ll agree with that! I love spending time with my grandchildren, but after four or five hours, my brain and body are ready for a break!

A study that followed grandparents and grandchildren over 19 years showed lower rates of depression when there was a strong emotional connection between the generations. In the 376 grandparents who were tracked, there was a 28% lower rate of depression symptoms in those with close ties to their grandchildren. Among the 340 adult grandchildren studied, there was a 32% lower depression rate for those with close emotional ties with their grandparents. I’ve always felt that spending time with my grandchildren helped my mental health. Scientific studies validate my intuition!

Being a grandmother is one of the best parts of growing older. I knew I would love my grandkids, but I wasn’t prepared for how much they would improve the quality of my life. If being involved with them leads to a longer life, it’s a bonus. The researchers found several factors that led to the conclusion that being an active grandparent leads to a longer life.

1. Heart health

It seems all the playing chase, swimming, and playground visits pay off! Grandparents who spend three to four hours a week actively playing with their grandchildren show a lower risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels. Is anybody up for hide-and-seek?

2. Purpose

Being an involved grandparent leads to a sense of purpose. When grandchildren need us, we’re more likely to take care of ourselves. That includes taking medications as necessary, going to medical appointments, and improving self-care. Fulfilling a needed role in the family is essential to healthy aging.

3. Family connections

Loneliness in the elderly population is an epidemic that leads to poor health and depression. Being involved with grandchildren usually indicates a close relationship with other family members. People are not meant to be isolated and struggle through the later years alone, just as young families are not meant to raise children alone. Forming a tight family that helps each other is beneficial to all generations.

4. Cognitive Functioning

Studies show that involved grandparents maintain higher levels of cognitive functioning and even lower rates of Alzheimer’s. Being actively connected with grandchildren keeps the brain engaged and evolving. We spend time with our grandkids doing science experiments, baking projects, working on math skills, and reading. We like to think we’re helping them, but studies show they’re helping us equally, if not more!

I loved reading all the studies that confirmed that being a grandparent is the best part of getting older! I feel relieved knowing that being involved with my grandkids is not only fun but might actually help me live longer. My seven-year-old grandson has told me repeatedly that he wants me to live to be 109 years old so I can be a great-grandmother to his children. That may be a little overambitious, but then again, it might just happen!