In recent years many people around the world have started a quest to find the truth about longevity. But, what counts a quality life and a long one for that matter? Many would agree that it all begins with happiness and gratitude. Having your most loved ones around, knowing everyone is in good health, and joyful can be rejuvenating to the body and mind.
So, when you live a fulfilled life, surrounded by the people you care and love, longevity indeed is on your side. For elders, spending time with their family, mainly their grandkids can have a profound effect on the essence of life. In addition, recent studies urge that by spending time with your grandchildren extends your time on this earth, too.
How does a grandparent increase longevity by spending time with their grandchildren? Continue reading.
It’s about the purity of happiness.
Grandparents love spending time with their grandchildren because the atmosphere is stress-free. Kids are bubbly and lovely and like to play around and have fun. At the same time, who doesn’t like spending their weekends at grandma and grandpa’s house, don’t they?
The rejuvenation children offer, without wanting anything in return is reviving to seniors. This is why a lot families decide to give grandparents yet another purpose – babysitting.
In fact, a recent investigation in the field affirmed just that. The study included around 500 participants, all of whom were over 70.
The study concluded that elders who look after a child, decrease their odds of getting ill in the next two decades, unlike those who did not spend quality time with their grandchild. Do you want to live longer? Hang out the youngsters!
According to Dr Ronan Factora, an expert 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 additionally explained that physical activity is a must, especially in the elderly. The same is true for correlating with people and keeping a dynamic social life.
A different study, conducted out in Australia, recommends that even the shortest time spent with grandchildren can positively affect the mood, vitality, and memory in seniors. Having said that, bonding with your grandkids significantly decreases the risks of suffering Alzheimer’s. One of the reasons for this is because babies and toddlers mainly stimulate brain function in seniors, therefore eliminating depression.
However, babysitting grandparents should not go overboard with the experience. It is always good to maintain a balance to regenerate, exercise, read and live life to the fullest. But, feeling alive and beating once again is something worth experiencing.
So, pick up the phone, call your loved ones and spend some time hanging out with your grandkids. Whatever the activity is you will find yourself at ease and relaxed.
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So so true. I am almost 73 years old and besides babysitting for my two small grandchildren, as a reading specialist, I continue to teach more than fifteen hours a week. Working one-on-one, the children, who are seven to seventeen years old, and I have a wonderful time as we work together. Even on challenging days, I leave school feeling Happy and energized.
What about great grandmas? I am 61 and I baby sat both of my great grandsons one is going on 5 the other I baby sit now is going on 2 and I have a great granddaughter non the way ????☺✌
YOU ARE A GREAT GRANDMA…YOU ARE MY AGE..I AM SO PROUD FOR YOU.
YOUR GRANDS ARE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE SUCH A GROOVY GRANDMA.
I GUARANTEE YOU WILL BE AN AMAZING INFLUENCE IN THEIR LIVES.
Is this true for grandparents that have the grandson’s lives with them too? He is 4 years old and a joy for me but it is very sad too cause his parents are on drugs. I will not let his parents see him until they are clean and have a job too. But my grandson is very happy and can be a kid again.
You’re a great loving grandma and I commend you for doing this! God bless you abundantly.
I love being with my grandchildren; however, after playing with them some, I tend to work on keeping the house clean, doing dishes, laundry, since my daughter works full-time and dad may be traveling. That puts a damper on how I feel about watching my grandkids. Is this a problem for anyone else? Should I just forgo cleaning the house and sit around with my grandkids? Sometimes they do help me tidy up their rooms. Ages eight, five, and 22 months.
I always said if I ever had a grandchild, I would retire and keep them. Well last year at age 64, I was blessed with a grandson. Two weeks ago I was blessed with another grandson. We had prayed for these children for 13 years. I am happier and more at peace than any other time in my life.
Hi Connie,
I do feel the same way. I watch my 4 grandkids (5 and under)
an average of 9-10 hours, 4 days a week. I love them dearly but by the end of the day I am so exhausted. It’s hard trying to keep the house in order, not to mention getting dinner ready.
I believe this article is suggesting that grandparents spend time once or twice a week, rather than 40+ hours a week. The article does mention that grandparents should not go “overboard” with babysitting. A few hours a week is suffice to help us live longer.
Blessings and best wishes to you.
Mimi to 4
Yes I tent to have this problem the toddlers tend to mk me feel more like a nanny with needing to clean and laundry my daughter also works incredible amount of hrs.
I keep my grandchildren daily. I love it, sometimes I just let housework go other than kitchen and bathrooms. I figure they are only little for a short time. Enjoy them while you can. They grow so up so quick
Some times it can be stressful , but I know it’s needful , so I do what I can . Had not for my grandmother I don’t know where I would be .
I am nearly 59 I have been my two granddaughters 2 grand nanny to both my fur babies fist granddoggy is over the rainbow ? bridge two granddaughters are both the same age 7 years been there nanny sitter or carer since they were born they both and my fur babies have been a joy and has helped so much during times of being a widow and loss of my second born daughter. Life is about being happy joyful content forgiveness Love Caring Kindness living life to the fullest Faith in Christ Jesus Giving thank opportunity to share
Seven months ago, I started babysitting my fifth great-grandchild. She truly is such a joy, along with the fact that she continually keeps both myself & my spouse laughing. She will be a year old on May 12th, & I cannot believe how quickly the months have
flown by. I have mentioned to her mom just how much we both love keeping her, her mother is our oldest granddaughter. Both she, & the dad both work different schedules, so the arrangement has worked out perfectly for the parents, & us. We are so thankful for the opportunity to share our great granddaughter’s life, through babysitting her. The Lord definitely answered my prayers! We currently have four other great-grandchild ren as well, & another one due in September. I no longer feel as depressed as I did before we started babysitting, as my spouse & I are both retired…I’am 67, & my husband is 64. We are truly blessed…”Life” is “Amazing”!! Nothing like having grandchildren & great-grandchildren…! Enjoy your families, they are really worthwhile!
My grandbabies are great. I always love to spend time with them any time that I have a chance to do so. It’s spectacular watching them grow and their learning process. I dearly love them.alway look forward to each visit.
I just became a grandma 2 weeks ago. I am 66 and just retired. I told my daughter that I didn’t retire to be a full time babysitter. I will take care of him if it’s an emergency or every now and than. That doesn’t mean I don’t love him. I also want to have time to travel. My husband left me for another woman 8 years ago. I want to travel and have some fun. Is that so wrong.