Grandparents commonly provide at least some care for their grandchildren. Whether it be babysitting for a couple hours or a more permanent live-in situation, a new study shows it’s good for their health.
Researchers compiled data from 500 seniors for the Berlin Aging Study and found that those who babysat lived longer. Interestingly, it didn’t matter whether it was their own grandkids or someone else’s.
Taking care of kids keeps them physically active and helps relieve stress, but overdoing it can cross a line and cancel out those health benefits, the study states.
“You want to make sure that you find that right balance where you are doing what you can to stay active, doing good for the folks that you’re helping out with, but don’t do too much where you get to the point where you’re overly stressed,” Dr. Ronan Factora of the Cleveland Clinic said.
Researchers also note that another benefit is the social interaction that helps keep the brain healthy.
As an added benefit, spending time with grandma and grandpa is also great for kids as it gives them extra stability and emotional support.
Awe – if you’re a grandparent that can’t get enough of your grandkids, soak it up! It’s healthy for both of you.
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