Grandparents: Looking After Your Grandkids Reduces Your Dementia Risk!
Dementia can strike at any moment, but new studies suggests that the simple act of being around and interacting with your grandchildren can reduce the chances of cognitive decline!
Grandparents: Looking After Your Grandkids Reduces Your Dementia Risk!
Dementia can strike at any moment, but new studies suggests that the simple act of being around and interacting with your grandchildren can reduce the chances of cognitive decline!
The Science Behind It
A large study in China followed over 10,000 older adults aged 50 to 79 who had no dementia at the start. It divided them into four groups:
Those who did not care for grandchildren at all
Those who looked after grandchildren for 1 to 39 hours per week (non-intensive care)
Those who cared for grandchildren 40 or more hours per week (intensive care)
Those without grandchildren
The Results
Results showed that non-intensive caregiving (1–39 hours a week) was linked to 24% lower odds of developing dementia, compared to those who did not care for grandchildren
Researchers also looked into why this might be so. They found 3 key benefits that explained about 37% of the reduced risk:
More likely to own a mobile phone (helps stay socially connected)
More access to broadband internet
Feeling less lonely
However, intensive caregiving—looking after grandchildren for many hours every week—did not show any benefit and might even cause stress that removes the good effects
Simply Put
The idea comes from the “use it or lose it” philosophy in treating the brain like a muscle: to keep your brain sharp, it helps to stay mentally and socially active. Reading stories, playing simple games, chatting—all of these engage your mind
By spending time caring for your grandchildren, you stay connected to family and society. This reinforces social bonds and releases dopamine and oxytocin which act as a barrier against brain decay. You end up training your brain in a fun and meaningful way, and most important of all: you avoid isolation, which some studies suggest may be deadlier to your health than smoking!
What This Means for Malaysian Grandparents
You don’t need to be a full-time caregiver. Just a few hours each week—say visiting the grandchildren or playing simple games—can be helpful.
These moments give you a reason to smile, to talk, to laugh. On top of it all, your mind stays active which keeps the neurons in your brain flexible and strong.
And this is where the benefits of technology come into play: owning a simple mobile phone or learning to use WhatsApp or video calls can also help you keep in touch with others and feel less lonely. This social connection matters for brain health.
Conclusion
If you are a grandparent, spending a few hours a week caring for your grandchildren can help protect your brain. It is not just about fun—it is about keeping connected, stimulated, and emotionally fulfilled.
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