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Grandma’s Brain Gets a Boost from Babysitting, Science Says
By: Taylor Johnson
Updated: Aug. 23, 2016
Originally Published: Aug. 23, 2016
Grandma’s brain thrives with grandkids around
Finally, we can drop off the kiddos at grandma’s without a sprinkle of guilt. Turns out, we’re not just taking advantage of her free babysitting services; we’re actually doing wonders for her cognitive health—just ask the experts!
A groundbreaking study from real-life scientists reveals that post-menopausal women who engage in babysitting have a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other cognitive issues. This enlightening research was featured in Menopause, the journal of the North American Menopause Society. Parents everywhere will be eagerly referencing this when they explain why the kids are headed to grandma’s again this weekend.
So, how did we stumble upon this enlightening nugget of wisdom? Thanks to the brilliant minds at the Women’s Healthy Aging Project in Australia, who tested 186 post-menopausal women (most of whom were grandmothers) using three different cognitive assessments. The findings showed that those who spent at least one day a week caring for their grandkids scored higher on these brain tests.
We know what you’re thinking: “What am I going to do with all this free time now that grandma is babysitting?” Maybe aimlessly wander the aisles of Target, finally hit that spin class, or catch up on the latest drama in Bachelor in Paradise. But hold your horses, parents! There’s a catch—too much time spent babysitting (five or more days a week) can actually be detrimental to grandma’s brain, resulting in lower scores on those fancy cognitive tests.
In short, your kids can drive her just as bonkers as they do you if she’s with them too often. Plus, let’s not forget that grandmas are people too! They don’t particularly enjoy feeling like unpaid, live-in nannies. Researchers found that those grandmas who helped out frequently felt that their own children (the parents of the grandkids) were too demanding on their time. As CBS News reported, this feeling of being overextended can dampen their mood and impact brain function. Grandmas have lives outside of babysitting, alright?
The secret to keeping grandma both happy and healthy is some good old-fashioned babysitting—just not so much that she forgets your kids’ names! If this scientific revelation doesn’t convince grandma to take on a few babysitting shifts, we’ve got more stats for you. Research shows that older adults lacking close contact with family and friends face a 26 percent higher risk of death over a seven-year span. Not exactly a cheerful fact to share, but “we’re saving your life” might just work wonders the next time you persuade her to take the kids for the day.
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Summary:
So, it turns out that letting grandma babysit isn’t just about getting a break; it’s also beneficial for her brain health. Studies show that grandmas who care for their grandkids at least once a week have a lower risk of cognitive decline, while too much babysitting can be counterproductive. Balance is key! Plus, staying connected with family helps keep older adults healthy and happy.