From Cleveland Clinic
If you have grandchildren, you know how special that bond can be. Now we know, it’s good for our health, too.
“Some of the physical benefits of spending time with grandchildren include being more active,” says Kenneth Koncilja, MD, who specializes in geriatric medicine for Cleveland Clinic. “Older adults who are spending time with younger children, especially helping to care or babysit, tend to be more active, get more steps per day, more exercise.”
Dr. Koncilja says that kind of activity has huge benefits for blood sugar, blood pressure, and even stress hormones. He said older adults who spend time with grandchildren tend to have improved levels of dopamine and oxytocin–feel-good hormones. Lastly, there’s the social aspect. Depression and isolation can be a big problem for older adults. However, spending time with grandchildren can give them a sense of purpose and a sense of connection. And speaking of connection, there are many ways to stay in touch nowadays, even if you can’t see them in person.
“It’s pretty amazing all the options and avenues older adults have to stay connected today thanks to technology,” Dr. Koncilja says. “Older adults are more facile with the internet and video chat than ever before, and the tools that we have to connect are ever increasing.”
He adds that older adults can also benefit from intellectually stimulating activities, many of which can easily be done with a grandchild. For example, grandparents could help with homework, play a game or music, read them a book, or practice sounding out words.
