How caring for grandkids boosts brain power
The sayings about the joys of being grandparents are endless. One great example: "If children are the rainbow of life, then grandchildren are the pot of gold."
Well, here's another remarkable reward of being a grandparent. It helps protect your brain power, according to a study published in Psychology and Aging. Researchers looked at data on more than 2,800 grandparents (mean age of 67) who took cognitive tests between 2016 and 2022. Caregiving grandparents scored higher on memory and verbal skills compared to controls who did not provide care to grandchildren, no matter how often they interacted with their grandkids. The most potent boosts to brain power came from doing homework together and sharing leisure activities (exploring, playing games, having fun). Another multi-year study in JAMA Open Network found that non-intensive caring for grandkids (less than 39 hours a week) cuts the dementia risk by 28%.
Whether you're able to provide care for grandkids or not, these studies highlight the importance of intergenerational, affectionate relationships. So, if you don't have grandkids or they live far away, you can gain the benefits by volunteering at a local school, YMCA, a community service that helps kids with studies, sports, gardening, or through online interactions. Taking those steps also helps ease loneliness and can reduce your fall risk and help fend off frailty. Wow!
For more information on the benefits of multigenerational relationships and a sense of purpose, tune into my podcast with Dr. Mark Hyman, "How to Die Young as Late as Possible," on Facebook.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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