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With more young mothers now in the workforce, more grandparents are stepping up to help care for their grandchildren. Past research has suggested that such caregiving can exact a toll on grandma’s or grandpa’s overall health. But a new study of almost 13,000 grandparents shows otherwise.
The study, appropriately titled “All in the Family: The Impact of Caring for Grandchildren on Grandparents’ Health,” was published in the Journal of Gerontology: Social Science. The research finds that only grandparents who actually live with their grandchildren and care for kids whose parents are not present in the house may suffer some health problems. For the majority of grandparents who supply occasional babysitting or taxi services, such care has no negative effect on their health.
A lot of grandparents are involved in their grandkids’ care. Almost 30 percent of the grandmothers and 22 percent of the grandfathers in the study provided at least 50 hours of care a year for grandchildren who didn't live with them. But only 7 percent of grandmothers and 5 percent of grandfathers lived with their children and grandchildren. And fewer than 3 percent of grandparents lived in homes with grandchildren whose parents were not present.
So the next time your son or daughter asks you to pick up little Ashley from day care, you can’t use your health as an excuse. Sorry.
SOURCE: Journal of Gerontology: Social Science; National Library of Medicine
The information provided is intended to help you make informed decisions. The Genworth Financial companies do not provide medical information, advice or recommendations. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen. Please note that Wellness partners, their products, services, and offers may change over time.
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