Generation Bridging: The Importance of Maintaining Grandparent and Grandchild Relationships

For many of us, the special times we spent with Grandma and Grandpa are some of our favorite memories. Going to a ball game or out for ice cream, or simply hanging out together baking cookies, playing games and hearing their stories, these interactions helped make us who we are today. The memories continue to warm our hearts.

About 67 million Americans are grandparents, around 70% them age 65 or older. Since seniors are living longer and staying healthier, the vast majority of today’s children can enjoy quality time with grandparents. Back in 1900, when the average lifespan was in the 40s, fewer than 50% of adolescents had two or more living grandparents.

Grandparents and Grandkids Form a Unique Bond

Now that we are parents ourselves, we want our children and our parents to develop their own special relationships. The time they spend together not only creates memories, it benefits both youngsters and seniors physically, emotionally and mentally.

In research studies, up to 90% of adult grandchildren say their grandparents helped shape their values and behaviors. And grandparents? Nearly three-quarters say this is their most important role at this point in their lives.

“It’s the only relationship in which people are crazy about one another simply because they’re breathing,” says Dr. Arthur Kornhaber, founder of The Foundation for Grandparents.

Emotional Well-Being

A Boston College study found that strong bonds between grandparents and grandchildren reduced depressive symptoms in both groups. Grandparents can remain active, valued family members, and they provide an extra layer of support for children, who know they have someone they can depend on who loves them unconditionally. That can be especially valuable for teens who may feel reluctant to confide in or listen to their parents.

Sharing Important Life Lessons

The impact of hearing Grandma or Grandpa share stories of struggle, where hard work and perseverance led to a happy ending, cannot be underestimated. Children and young adults can sometimes feel like their challenges are insurmountable. Hearing that a trusted grandparent also faced and overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges, can be a powerful lesson in perseverance.

When grandparents share their stories, kids gain personal perspective and a sense of history – family, cultural and societal. Reminiscing about the past helps seniors stay connected with their own memories, too.

Exposure to New Ideas

Older adults can sometimes get a bit “stuck in their ways,” but grandchildren can introduce them to new ideas and perspectives. Whether it’s embracing new technologies or dancing along with the latest music trends, this helps seniors widen their horizons and feel more connected to their family and society as a whole.

Interacting with the grandkids can help seniors live longer. Playtime is good exercise, affording seniors extra physical activity that brings multiple health benefits, and active grandparents can encourage youngsters to be more active, too. In addition, spending quality time with grandkids, who often have a sunny outlook on life, can reduce stress and worry for seniors.

Improved Cognitive Ability

Interacting with the grandkids can keep seniors on their mental toes as well, actually helping boost cognitive activity. The more often the grands get together, the greater the benefits.

There are so many ways for grandparents to connect with their grandkids, whether or not they live nearby. Here at Magnolia Manor, we love seeing our residents meet with grandchildren and other family members. Sometimes they spend time here on campus, while other times they head out for other adventures.

Across our nine campuses in southern Georgia, our staff creates activities to help nurture those relationships and to provide for our residents’ physical, spiritual, social, and mental needs. To learn more about senior living options with Magnolia Manor, contact us on our website or at 1-855-540-LIFE(5433) to speak with a member of our team.