Grandparenting Boosts Brain Power, Study Finds, Countering Isolation in Modern Life
Summary
A study finds that active participation in grandparenting, such as caring for or playing with grandchildren, helps keep the elderly's brains sharp and active, countering cognitive decline and loneliness.
Key Points
- The study involved 2,887 grandparents aged around 67 and analyzed data from 2016 to 2022.
- Grandparents who cared for grandchildren performed better on memory and verbal skills tests.
- Mental benefits were observed regardless of how frequently grandparents cared for children, emphasizing active participation over frequency.
- Interacting with grandchildren provides mental stimulation, reduces loneliness, and enhances the elderly's sense of purpose, improving overall mental health.
