Your grandchildren could help you live longer and be happier!
As millions of grandparents are enjoying the half-term break with their little ones, here’s the good news....
Picking the grandkids up from school, taking them for a walk and helping with their homework…it’s a gift many grandparents give their own grown-up children to help with childcare while they juggle the demands of modern life. And, while there’s no doubt spending time with Grandma and Grandpa is good for the grandkids, it’s a relationship that also has numerous benefits for the older generation.
According to research from the Berlin Ageing Study, people who regularly look after their grandchildren were 37 per cent more likely to enjoy a longer life than those who didn’t.
Which is good news for grandparents in charge of half-term adventures, sleepovers and weekend babysitting.
For many retirees, grandchildren can give life purpose and meaning, help combat loneliness and even increase fitness. It’s something Trish Wilson, 70, from East
Hampshire, discovered after she moved 30 miles to be nearer to her granddaughters Savannah, seven, and Saffron, three. Now, she sees them every day and has never felt happier.
‘I felt low and lonely before the grandchildren came along. My ex-husband and I divorced over 30 years ago and I lived alone in Hayling Island, about an hour’s drive from my daughter, Pamela, 41,’ Trish says. ‘I’d see Savannah once a fortnight, but it didn’t feel like enough. I was missing out on her life.
‘When Pamela had Saffron, I couldn’t bear the thought of living so far from the girls a moment longer so, three years ago, I made an impulsive decision to move to the village next to theirs. I look after the girls after school while Pamela works as a makeup artist and whenever Pam and her husband, Dan, 39, want a night out. Thanks to the girls, I’m more active now than I was 10 years ago – my body gives me away sometimes, but I don’t feel 70, I feel 50. The girls invigorate my spirit and keep me on my toes. Chasing after Saffron on her scooter is great exercise!’
Perfect role models
While it may seem that we live in an age of following celebrities and those aspiring to be famous, research conducted by Stannah Stairlifts suggests grandparents are important role models, with two-thirds of young people inspired by their own grandparents more than any celeb. Savannah agrees. ‘I think I got my cleverness from Nanny, because she’s really clever. She’s good at timetables and I love that we play maths games together,’ she says.
One study found that when older women spent just one day a week looking after their grandchildren, their mental ability and cognitive scores improved. So, while you’re imparting wisdom and handing insights down through the generations, the grandkids are keeping you sharp in return.
As we get older, the physical and emotional demands of looking after young children can feel more tiring, but it’s worth remembering that the energy of youth can have fantastic benefits for your physical health. Over half of all grandparents surveyed said that they engaged in sports, exercise and gardening with their grandchildren, which is great for cardiovascular health as well as keeping joints supple and strong.
Sense of purpose
‘Savannah loves my garden and in the warmer months she helps me mow the lawn and tend to the plants. I take the girls to the park or to the beach to look for pebbles,’ Trish says.
‘I cherish these lovely moments. Savannah’s taught me to see the world a different way. She’s always reminding me about the environment and telling me which bin to put my recycling in. I admire her.’
Helen Stirrup, occupational health advisor at Stannah, says a real sense of purpose comes with being a grandparent. ‘Whether you’re guiding them through life by passing on pearls of wisdom or re-living experiences you enjoyed as a parent or child yourself, it’s a life-affirming and mutually enjoyable relationship,’ she says.
‘Being with loved ones is always time well spent, but grandchildren conjure a special kind of love. It shouldn’t be underestimated how these cheerful feelings work wonders on your wellbeing. Snuggling up for a cuddle can reduce stress, increase oxytocin levels and produce a sense of calmness. Reading together is beneficial for your cognitive health. Activities like crossword puzzles will keep your memory and thinking skills sharp and it’s a gentle way to connect with the younger generation.’
But it’s not always happy families. When relationships dismantle, and circumstances change, it can have a devastating impact on the whole family. New research suggests that after divorce, nearly a quarter of all grandparents in Britain are excluded from their grandchildren’s lives.
Grandparents do not have an automatic legal right to see their grandchild if a parent stops you but there are steps you can take to make arrangements which work for all parties.
If no informal agreement can be reached, find a local, independent family mediator on gov.co.uk by searching ‘contact grandchild’.
If that doesn’t work, you could consider going to court. Statistics from the Ministry of Justice show a sharp increase over the last three years in grandparents applying for child arrangement orders but remember that this can be expensive and emotionally distressing, with no guarantee of success.
If you’re fortunate enough to enjoy a close bond with your grandchildren, it is to be treasured by both generations. Sometimes it might feel like they speak another language but find common ground and your grandchildren will improve your health, well-being and happiness. Savannah says it best. ‘I love that Nanny gives us lots of sweets and she just makes me feel happy,’ she says. ‘We watch movies, snuggled up in bed. I love baking together. But what I love most about Nanny is that she’s really kind and she’s always there for us.’
‘The energy of youth can have fantastic benefits for your health’