Grandparents Who Babysit Grandkids Live Longer – According To New Study

Longevity, also known as the thing that everyone seems to be after these days. But, what considers a quality life, and a long one for that matter?

It probably all begins with happiness and gratitude. Having your family around, knowing everyone is in good health and joyful can be healing to the body and mind.

So, when you live a fulfilled life, surrounded by the people you care for the most, longevity certainly is on your side. For seniors, spending time with their family, especially their grandkids can affect their essence of life. Even more, studies now urge that by spending time with your grandkids expands your time on this earth, too.

How does a grandparent gain longevity by spending time with their grandchildren? Read on.

It’s about the simplicity of happiness

Grandparents enjoy spending time with their grandchildren because the environment is stress-free. Kids are bubbly and lovely and like to goof around and have fun. At the same time, all kids enjoy spending their weekends at grandma and grandpa’s house, don’t they? The refreshment children offer, without wanting a bit of love in return is reviving to seniors. That is why many families are deciding to give grandparents yet another purpose – babysitting.

In fact, a recent study in the field affirmed just that. The study involved around 500 participants, all of whom were 70 or older.

The study concluded that seniors who look after a child, reduce their odds of getting ill in the next 2 decades, unlike those who did not spend quality time with their grandchild. Want to live longer? Hang out the youngsters!

As per Dr. Ronan Factora, an experts at the Cleveland Clinic,

“There is a link between providing this care and reducing stress. If providing this care to [grand kids] and others…is one way that we can actually reduce stress, then these activities should be of benefit to folks who are grandparents and provide this care.”

Dr. Factora further explained that physical activity is a must, especially in the elderly. The same is true for connecting with people and maintaining a dynamic social life.

Another study, carried out in Australia, suggests that even the shortest babysitting session can positively affect the mood, vitality, and memory in seniors. That said, bonding with your grandkids significantly reduces the risks of suffering Alzheimer’s. One of the reasons for this is because babies and toddlers basically stimulate the brain function in seniors, thus eliminating depression.

Still, babysitting grandparents should not go overboard with the experience. It is always good to maintain time for yourself, to regenerate, exercise, read and live life to the fullest. However, feeling alive and kicking once again is something worth experiencing.

Therefore, pick up the phone, give parents their much-deserved date night, and spend time hanging out with your grandkids. Whether you spend your time chatting, reading books, playing or cooking, you will find yourself at ease and relaxed. And if that adds a few years to your life as well, I believe you found yourself a win-win situation!

Source: shareably.net