Study Reveals Grandparenting May Slow Mental Decline in Older Adults

Caring for grandchildren could be more than just a joyful family experience—it might actually help slow down mental decline in older adults, according to a recent study published by the American Psychological Association in the journal Psychology and Aging.

The comprehensive research followed nearly 3,000 grandparents with an average age of 67, finding that those who provided childcare scored significantly higher on memory and verbal fluency tests compared to non-caregiving peers. These cognitive benefits persisted even after researchers adjusted for variables such as age, health status, and other potential influencing factors.

When Fox News’ Steve Doocy spoke with grandparents in Florida about these findings, many described firsthand how staying active with their grandchildren keeps them mentally alert. “They’re always chasing them and doing things,” one grandmother explained. “Keeps your mind active.”

The study’s results suggest that the cognitive benefits appear regardless of how frequently grandparents provide care or what specific activities they engage in with their grandchildren. This points to the overall value of intergenerational interaction rather than specific caregiving tasks.

Another Florida grandmother highlighted the reciprocal learning relationship, noting that her grandchildren “are teaching me all the time” and often demonstrate greater knowledge during educational outings. This observation aligns with cognitive research suggesting that learning new skills and information—regardless of age—helps maintain neural plasticity.

The physical component of grandparenting also appears to play a significant role in these cognitive benefits. One grandfather interviewed emphasized that the advantage comes from “being active” rather than “just sitting around.” Another described how the role requires becoming “a kid again,” often involving physical play and responding to children’s constant needs.

These comments reflect the multifaceted nature of grandparenting, which combines physical activity, social engagement, emotional connection, and cognitive challenges—all factors previously linked to brain health in aging populations.

However, the research also revealed important limitations to these benefits. Flavia Chereches of Tilburg University in the Netherlands, who led the study, emphasized that the caregiving environment significantly matters. Voluntary care within a supportive family context appears to offer benefits, while stressful or burdensome caregiving situations may not yield the same positive effects.

This distinction is crucial as approximately 2.7 million American grandparents currently serve as primary caregivers for their grandchildren, according to U.S. Census data. For these individuals, the cognitive benefits of grandparenting might be offset by high stress levels and the demands of full-time childcare responsibilities.

“While caregiving is beneficial up to a point,” Doocy noted during the segment, being a primary caregiver “can lend itself to a lot of stress.”

The findings come as researchers increasingly focus on preventive approaches to cognitive decline, particularly as the U.S. population ages. With adults over 65 projected to represent nearly 20% of Americans by 2030, understanding modifiable factors that influence cognitive health has become a public health priority.

This research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that meaningful social roles and intergenerational relationships may play an important part in maintaining cognitive function later in life. Previous studies have shown that social isolation is associated with higher risks of dementia and cognitive decline, while regular social interaction appears protective.

For many grandparents, the joy of grandparenting extends far beyond cognitive benefits. As Fox News contributor Lawrence Jones observed, “It’s always yes with your grandparents. Your parents tell you no, but your grandparents always tell you yes. This is why we love them so much.”

These findings suggest that the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren may benefit both generations in ways that science is only beginning to understand.