How caring for the grandkids can ward off loneliness

IT is often said that spending time with the grandchildren keeps you young.

And now scientists say they could help stave off loneliness too.

People who look after their grandchildren are far less likely to feel isolated than those who care for a spouse, according to a major review. Scientists from King’s College London looked at the findings from 28 worldwide studies on the relationship between caregiving, volunteering activities and loneliness in over-50s.

They found that in six out of seven cases, caring for children – whether related or not – was linked to lower levels of loneliness in older people. Voluntary work, such as helping at a charity shop or church, was also found to cut feelings of isolation.

But those having to look after a partner or spouse were found to have higher levels of loneliness, often because they were caring for someone with a complex health condition such as dementia. Lead author Samia Akhter-Khan said: ‘There is a pressing need to identify people who may be more vulnerable to feeling lonely and to develop targeted solutions to prevent and reduce it.’

Researcher Dr Matthew Prina added that the findings could shed light on the ‘optimal dose’ of caring needed to fight loneliness.