Grandparents who care for their grandchildren live up to five years longer than those who don’t, remarkable new research has found.
The research indicates caring for grandchildren increases life expectancy significantly more than being healthy, active and independent.
It also has more impact on life expectancy than being diagnosed with one or more chronic or severe illnesses late in life.
“It is quite striking,” says Edith Cowan University’s Doctor David Coall, one of the study’s authors.
“To our surprise and interest we found that grandparents who looked after their grandchildren survived five years longer than those that did not.”
The study, published late last year, is the first of its kind in the world to show such a link.
There is a growing body of research showing caregiving activity – where you do something for someone and expect nothing in return – has significant health benefits, Dr Coall said.
“Talking to a lot of grandparents, we find they speak most often about the happiness, satisfaction and pride that they feel about looking after their grandchildren… Read More>>
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
