Taking care of your grandchild is one of the joys of your life. But, did you know that all that time spent with your special little one can also improve your health? This is how helping care for your grandchild could improve your cognitive function.
The Evidence
There are a variety of activities you can take part in that would improve cognitive function. And, caring for your grandchild is one of them.
One study found that the risk of developing conditions that affect cognitive ability is reduced if the grandmother helped care for their grandchildren. However, this is based on occasional care.
Spending too much time could have the reverse effect. Participants who spent 5 days a week or more caring for their grandchild started to show negative cognitive affects compared to grandmothers who only spent 1 time a week with grandchildren.
These findings are supported by other research that corroborates spending time socializing helps the brain stay sharper. In another study, researchers found that seniors who kept socially active were less likely to experience age-related cognitive decline than other seniors who did not socialize as much.
While caring for your grandchild can help prevent cognitive decline and lower your risk of related diseases, such as dementia, there can be too much of a good thing. Keep in mind that this information is based on leisurely and occasional care.
Grandparents with full-time custody of grandchildren, or are primary caregivers, may experience significantly different outcomes to their general physical health or cognitive function.
Final Thoughts
As a senior, you try to keep as active as possible to decrease age-related cognitive decline. But, who’d have thought help was right at your grandchild’s fingertips? It’s true that helping care for your grandchild could improve your cognitive function. So, make sure you don’t miss your time together this week.
