Key Takeaways
- Grandchildren help grandparents feel better
- Active grandparents are less likely to feel lonely or isolated
- The more they see their grandkids, the greater the benefits
As the holiday season approaches, a new University of Michigan poll highlights the significant role grandchildren play in the lives of older adults. The study found that having grandchildren and regular interaction with them can positively impact mental health and reduce feelings of loneliness. Additionally, many grandparents actively support their grandchildren, from providing financial assistance to offering childcare.
The data come from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, based at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. The poll is supported by AARP and Michigan Medicine, U-M’s academic medical center.
People with at least one grandchild were more likely than those without grandkids to say they hardly ever feel isolated. In all, 72% of those with grandchildren say they hardly ever feel isolated compared with 62% of those without grandchildren. People without grandkids were also more likely to say their mental health is fair or poor compared with those who have grandchildren, 13% versus 9%.
“For many older people, becoming a grandparent is a major milestone in their lives. Our findings show there are many dimensions to grandparenting, and possible positive effects of grandparenting, some of which may not be widely recognized,” said Kate Bauer, associate professor of nutritional sciences at the U-M School of Public Health who worked with the poll team.
The poll suggests that health care providers should consider asking their older patients whether they are active in their grandchildren’s lives and encourage more involvement among those who are struggling with loneliness or depression.
Source:
Grandparents help grandkids in many ways—but the reverse may be true too, U-M poll suggests
