A recent study published by the American Psychological Association suggests that caring for grandchildren may slow the decline in mental health in older adults.
Steve Doocy told his grandparents in Florida on Monday about the findings of the “Fox & Friends” investigation. Many of them explained how they stay active with their families mentally sharp.
“They’re always chasing and doing things,” one grandmother said. “Keep your mind active.”
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The study, published in the journal Psychology and Aging, followed nearly 3,000 grandparents with an average age of 67.
Those who attended child care scored higher on tests of memory and verbal fluency than those who did not. Adjust according to agehealth and other factors.
These benefits appeared regardless of how often grandparents provided care or what specific activities they performed.
Another grandmother in the Sunshine State said her grandchildren “are always teaching me,” noting that they often know more than she does during educational trips.
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An old man told Doocy that the benefits come from:be activeInstead of “just sitting around.”
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Another Florida-based grandparent said the role required him to “return to being a child,” often involving physical play and responding to the child’s constant needs.
The interview touched on the various roles that grandparents play, from discipline to providing snacks.
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Doocy also has a grandson’s perspective. “Nana gives us a lot of popsicles.” When asked what Grandma and Grandpa did for them, one child answered that Mom and Dad didn’t.
However, this study also revealed that there are limits to the benefits of caregiving.
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The study’s lead researcher, Flavia Chereches from Tilburg University in the Netherlands, suggested that environment is important, noting that voluntary care in supportive families is different from family care. stressful or taxing environment.
Doocy agreed, saying that while caregiving can be beneficial “up to a point,” being the primary caregiver “can be extremely stressful.”
“We always say yes to our grandparents. Our parents say no, but our grandparents always say yes. That’s why we love them so much,” said Lawrence Jones.
