A recent Australian study shows that spending a moderate amount of time caring for grandchildren may prevent Alzheimer’s Disease as it can increase brain function and memory.
Research suggests that babysitting boosts brain power and decreases the chances of developing depression.
“One of the best things you can do as you get older is to maintain those interactions with other human beings,” said Dr. Diana Kerwin, chief of geriatrics at Texas Health Dallas and founder of Texas Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders.
Kerwin notes that babysitting stimulates brain tissues benefiting your memory.
“If you think about when you do take care of a child, you tend to become more of a teacher – you’re teaching them new experiences, maybe taking them to the zoo or working on vocabulary with them… it’s stimulating for the babysitter’s brain as well,” said Dr. Kerwin.
The extra physical activity that is involved with caring for children is a bonus. Kerwin says that you’re more likely to be engaging in activities like going to the park, pushing children on a swing or going for a walk.
Texas Health has a great initiative now – a class called “Grandparents 101” for this new generation of grandmas and grandpas. At the class, they learn updated safety guidelines, infant CPR, and how to childproof their home.
The Australian study focuses on caring for kids one day per week. Research shows that grandparents who spend 5 days a week or more caring for little ones may have a higher risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders.