Grandparents Who Watch Grandkids Score Higher on Memory Tests

Millions of grandparents helping to raise their grandchildren are getting an unexpected bonus: better brain health.

Researchers from the American Psychological Association studied nearly 3,000 grandparents in the U.K. and found something remarkable. Those who cared for their grandchildren scored higher on memory and verbal fluency tests than seniors who weren't caregivers.

The study tracked grandmother caregivers for six years and found they experienced less cognitive decline than women who didn't help with grandkids. What mattered most wasn't how often they helped or what specific tasks they did, but simply being an active caregiver.

Lead researcher Flavia Chereches said the role itself seemed to make the difference. Whether grandparents were watching kids overnight, helping with homework, making meals, or driving to soccer practice, the cognitive benefits were clear.

Psychologist Dale Atkins explains why this makes sense. Caregiving keeps older adults socially engaged and exercises important mental skills like problem solving and creativity.

"You're getting into the head of this little person and trying to see the world through their eyes," Atkins said. "Perspective taking is a really important cognitive skill."

Beyond brain health, grandchildren help combat loneliness too. A 2024 University of Michigan poll found seniors with at least one grandchild felt less isolated than those without.

The Bright Side

While the cognitive benefits are exciting, experts emphasize that grandparenting works best when it's voluntary. About one third of grandparents living with grandchildren are responsible for their care, according to Census data.

With child care costs skyrocketing, many families now rely on grandparents for regular help. A 2023 survey found 42% of working parents depend on grandmothers for child care.

DeeDee Moore, founder of the grandparenting advice forum More Than Grand, says "grandparent babysitting burnout" is one of her site's top search terms. The cognitive benefits only apply when caregiving happens in a supportive environment where grandparents feel respected, not taken advantage of.

Atkins stresses the importance of open family conversations about boundaries and expectations. When grandparents want to help and parents appreciate that help, everyone benefits.

Even seniors without grandchildren can gain similar cognitive advantages by mentoring children in their community. The key is meaningful engagement with young minds, which gives older adults a renewed sense of purpose while keeping their brains active and healthy.

Science keeps confirming what many families already know: the relationship between generations isn't just heartwarming, it's genuinely good for our health.