There is a playful old saying that says “grandkids are God’s reward for not killing your kids.” Of course, it’s only a bit of dark humor and we shouldn’t take it seriously, but the phrase has a point about grandchildren being a reward. Few things are as rewarding and fun as spending time with your grandkids.
Now, a study has discovered another good reason to spend time with your little family members – it extends life!
According to a report published in the Evolution and Human Behavior journal, which has taken information from the Berlin Aging Study, looking after children can increase the lifespan of a person.
Less likely to die
Researchers conducted the study by surveying 500 people aged 70 years or older. The researchers discovered that the participants who regularly had to take care of their grandkids had a lower risk of death than those who did not spend time taking care of little kids.
In other words, it may be a good idea to schedule a visit with your grandkids as soon as possible.
It is important to point out, however, that this applied to people who did not have primary custody of the child – the study only included people who acted as babysitters from time to time.
Grandkids reduce stress levels
“There is a link between providing this care and reducing stress. If providing this care to [grandkids] and others…is one way that we can reduce stress, then these activities should be of benefit to folks who are grandparents and provide this care,” said Dr. Ronan Factora at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, according to Shareably.
Ronan Factora also emphasizes that factors such as other socializing, for example with friends, and staying physically active are just as, if not even more important, to achieve a long and happy life as you grow older.
When you retire, it’s still important to keep yourself busy and to feel needed, because that thing you did for maybe 40 years of your life is no longer there.
However, this is not a bad thing, you just have to learn how to shift your focus and take on new projects, like taking care of your grandkids for example.
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