Grandparents Who Help With Childcare Score Higher on Memory

Babysitting grandkids isn't just helping your family. It might be protecting your brain too.

A new study of nearly 3,000 English grandparents found that those who provide childcare score higher on memory and verbal fluency tests compared to those who don't. The research followed grandparents over age 50 for six years, tracking both their caregiving habits and cognitive performance.

Lead researcher Flavia Chereches from Tilburg University in the Netherlands discovered something surprising. Whether grandparents watched kids overnight, helped with homework, drove them to activities, or simply played games didn't matter as much as the act of being involved itself.

"What stood out most to us was that being a caregiving grandparent seemed to matter more for cognitive functioning than how often grandparents provided care," Chereches explained. The benefits appeared regardless of frequency or specific activities.

The study, published in Psychology and Aging, revealed especially promising news for grandmothers. Those who provided care experienced less cognitive decline over the study period compared to those who didn't, even after researchers adjusted for age, health, and other factors.

Around five million grandparents in the UK regularly handle childcare responsibilities. Nearly 90% babysit at least once weekly, with one in ten caring for grandchildren daily.

Why This Inspires

This research validates what many grandparents already feel in their hearts. The joy, energy, and purpose that comes from spending time with grandchildren isn't just emotional. It's measurable brain health.

Age UK notes that "gran-nannying" keeps older adults mentally and physically active while combating loneliness, as long as the caregiving doesn't become stressful or burdensome. The sweet spot seems to be voluntary, joyful involvement rather than obligatory duty.

One CBS news host asked his mother on air what she thought of the findings. Her response captured the experience perfectly: "They energize me, more than drive me down."

The broader experience of being needed, staying engaged, and connecting across generations may hold the key to healthier aging for millions of families.