Babysitting Grandkids May Help With Longevity, but How Much Is Too Much?

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Who knew that the fountain of youth was hiding in your own living room, playing blocks and asking for snacks? Articles have been circulating lately about research that shows grandparents who regularly babysit their grandchildren live longer than those who don’t.

And as a millennial parent, I’ve certainly passed that along to my own parents when I’m asking them to visit for the third time this month. But in all seriousness, there are definitely theories on why this does make sense. However, are there potential downsides? Is there too much of a good thing? Perhaps. But first, let’s begin with some of the ways that babysitting may help improve health outcomes:

1. Improved cardiovascular health

Chasing toddlers around the backyard and bending down to pick up toys provides more exercise than you might realize. Even as someone in her thirties, when I have the kids all day long by myself I definitely feel like I’ve run a marathon by the end of the day. So it makes sense that for grandparents who babysit regularly, they are likely engaging in physical activity that keeps their hearts pumping.

So whether it’s pushing a stroller, playing catch, or dancing to children’s music, these constant movements can help keep our bodies without feeling like traditional exercise.

The connection between caregiving and cardiovascular health was first documented in the Berlin Aging Study. Reportedly, researchers discovered that grandparents who provided childcare had a lower mortality risk compared to those who didn’t.

2. Mental agility

Babysitting grandchildren can also create mental challenges that keep your brain engaged and growing. I’ve always said that children will make you realize how much you don’t know. (Hello, why to literally everything).

With young children, each interaction requires problem-solving, from figuring out why a baby is crying to helping a pre-schooler with puzzles. This continuous cognitive stimulation may help build new neural pathways.

Examples of mental tasks with kids often involves:

• Multitasking between multiple children’s needs
• Teaching new skills and concepts
• Remembering schedules and preferences
• Creating imaginative games and stories
• Adapting to unexpected situations quickly

The link between grandparenting and cognitive health emerged from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health in 2014. Scientists found that postmenopausal women who cared for grandchildren one day per week had better cognitive function than those who didn’t babysit at all. However, it indicates that balance is key here.

3. Reduction in depression and anxiety

Grandparents who regularly spend time with their grandchildren may report lower rates of depression and anxiety compared to those without regular grandchild contact.

I think this is likely due to the precious giggles that just melt your heart. But it’s also because children demand you to be present in the moment.

It’s hard to ruminate about past regrets and mistakes when a toddler needs lunch or wants to show you their latest drawing. Or starts coloring on the walls.

Also, the unconditional love between grandparents and grandchildren creates a unique emotional bond that buffers against depression.

4. Improved sleep quality

Grandparents who babysit regularly may report better sleep quality than those without caregiving responsibilities.

And, again, as a person in my thirties and reformed night owl, I am definitely ready for bed by 9 pm after a long day of child care.

Generally, the physical activity inherent in childcare creates healthy tiredness that promotes natural sleep. Anyone who has been around young children knows that you’ve earned your rest after a day of chasing, playing, and caring for energetic kids.

The routine of regular babysitting also helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. Having consistent caregiving days creates structure that supports circadian rhythms.

5. Strengthened family bonds

Babysitting can also help to create deep emotional connections that provide powerful psychological protection. The love between grandparents and grandchildren is unique and irreplaceable.

These relationships work both ways. The grandparents provide love, security, and guidance. The grandchildren provide affection, purpose, and joy. And this mutual support system can be powerful.

According to an article in Psychology Today, research indicates that grandparents who are involved in childhood is linked to better emotional development, cognitive function and social adjustment in early adulthood.

“In the face of challenging family dynamics, [participants in a study] cited lessons learned from their grandparents as significant building blocks in their current perspectives on life.”

That goes to show that bonds in early childhood can make a big impact throughout someone’s life. So not only do the grandparents benefit, but it’s also good for the children!

Everything in moderation

Clearly, having an involved role in their grandchildren’s life has many benefits. However, to play devil’s advocate, it may be possible that there’s too much of a good thing.

Articles have also been circulating about conflicting parenting styles when grandparents transition into full-time caretaker roles.

Also, it’s possible that those who rely on grandparents to be full-time caretakers run the risk of babysitting burnout. And while there are plenty of articles about the positives of grandparents who babysit, there are also studies that suggest too much babysitting can be a bad thing, suggesting that frequent grandparenting may predict a lower cognitive performance.

So, is grandparent involvement beneficial? Absolutely. Should the grandparents be the full-time nanny? Maybe not. But, every situation is different, and it’s important to consider all aspects.

What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below.

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