The Benefits of Grandparenting for Mental Health
With the global population aging rapidly, mental health among the elderly is becoming a growing concern. Loneliness is a well-known risk factor for depression and other mental health conditions, but research suggests that regular grandparenting could be a solution to this problem. A recent review of 28 previous studies involving almost 200,000 participants in 21 countries found that looking after grandchildren regularly tended to have a positive impact on mental wellbeing, including reduced feelings of loneliness and greater fulfillment.
What the Research Says
The study found that adults aged over 60 years who spent an average of 12 hours each week looking after grandchildren were 60% less likely to feel lonely than non-caregivers. Other research has revealed similar trends, indicating the potential mental health benefits of grandparenting.
However, not all forms of caregiving have the same effect. The study also found that caring for an ill spouse or relative was consistently linked to higher levels of loneliness and isolation. This is perhaps due to the absence of support from other people or organizations in these situations. Grandparenting, in contrast, usually involves parents and institutions such as schools, making it a more integrated care network that may offer a greater sense of belonging and fulfillment.
Volunteering across a range of activities, including social and environmental causes, seems to be another effective way to stave off loneliness. This is because volunteering provides an opportunity to socialize and connect with like-minded people while contributing to the greater good.
Why Grandparenting Works
There are several reasons why grandparenting may be so beneficial to mental health. Here are a few possible explanations:
1. Social Interaction
Grandparenting provides a way to connect with others and socialize, which can be vital for mental wellbeing. It offers an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences, and build relationships with younger generations.
2. Sense of Purpose
Looking after grandchildren can give a sense of purpose and value, which is particularly important for older adults who may be struggling to find meaning in their lives. Feeling needed and appreciated can significantly improve mental health and overall wellbeing.
3. Physical Activity
Taking care of grandchildren often requires physical activity such as playing outside, going for walks, or picking them up from school. Engaging in physical activity can improve mood, boost confidence, and increase energy levels.
4. Learning and Growth
Grandparenting can also offer a chance to learn and grow through shared experiences with grandchildren. This may include learning new skills, introducing new ideas, and adapting to changing social norms. Learning and growth are essential for staying mentally agile and emotionally resilient.
Conclusion
Overall, grandparenting seems to be an effective way to improve mental wellbeing, providing a sense of community, purpose, and fulfillment for older adults. However, caregiving is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and individuals should consider their unique circumstances and preferences when deciding how to spend their time. Volunteering, taking up a new hobby, or joining a social club may be alternative solutions to staying active and engaged while staving off feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Summary
A recent review of previous studies found that regular grandparenting could significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and improve mental wellbeing among older adults. Caring for grandchildren offers a sense of community, purpose, and fulfillment that can counteract the negative effects of loneliness. However, caregiving is not a one-size-fits-all solution and individuals should consider their unique circumstances and preferences when deciding how to spend their time. Volunteering, taking up a new hobby, or joining a social club may be alternative solutions to combatting loneliness and isolation.
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Research suggests looking after grandchildren regularly may help prevent loneliness and improve wellbeing
Taking grandchildren to playgroups and picking them up from school can help stave off loneliness, research has found.
The study, a review of previous studies involving nearly 200,000 participants in 21 countries, suggested that looking after grandchildren regularly tends to have a positive impact on mental wellbeing, including feeling less isolated and greater fulfilment.
By contrast those who looked after a spouse with an illness or disability were linked to increased feelings of loneliness, highlighting the additional burden on older unpaid carers.
Samia Akhter-Khan, a PhD student at King’s College London and first author of the study, said: “We see these quite clear consistent findings that grandparenting or caregiving to non-kin children has this positive effect whereas spousal caregiving had a negative effect on loneliness.”
The team reviewed 28 previous studies involving 191,652 over-50s in 21 countries, including the UK, and examined the link between loneliness and unpaid care. One study showed that adults aged over 60 years who spent on average 12 hours each week looking after grandchildren were 60% less likely to feel lonely than non-caregivers, and other research revealed similar trends.
“While caregiving for grandchildren may include some of the same time-intensive activities as caregiving for an older adult, such as bathing and feeding, children are integrated in a care network that usually involves parents and institutions, such as schools,” the authors write.
Volunteering across a range of activities, including social and environmental causes, was also linked to lower levels of loneliness. By contrast caring for an ill spouse or relative was consistently linked to higher levels of loneliness and isolation. The authors suggest that looking after a partner could be isolating when faced with “an absence of support from other people or organisations” and often people do not have a choice whether to become a caregiver in this scenario. It can also be “a preparation to transitioning into widowhood”.
The authors highlight “the stark contrast between different realities of care”, where in some contexts it is a costly and burdensome activity and in others rewarding and meaningful. They add that the role of older adults as caregivers needed to be given greater recognition.
“Older people are usually portrayed as the care receivers and a cost to society in terms of money for pensions and health problems,” said Akhter-Khan. “But they’re really important contributors in terms of caregiving and volunteering. They’re really valuable for our society.”
The findings are published in the journal Aging and Mental Health.
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https://amp.theguardian.com/society/2022/nov/24/picking-up-grandchildren-from-school-help-mental-health
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