Grandchildren who develop relationships with grandparents receive many benefits.
As the old saying goes, “What happens at Grandpa’s stays at Grandpa’s!” Being a grandparent is likely one of life’s greatest joys – the chance to experience once again the delight of spending quality time and doting on the children in your life; only this time around, they are your children’s children, and so the relationships are that much sweeter.
Grandparents Day is September 13 and it is an ideal opportunity to reflect on the significant role grandparents play in the lives of grandkids, together with many emotional benefits grandkids receive once they forge a lasting bond with their grandparents – and, vice versa. For example:
Positive Benefits for Grandkids:
- A source of knowledge, influence, friendship, and mentoring.
- Improved cohesiveness and emotional support for the family.
- A link with family heritage and legacy.
- Both physical and emotional support.
Positive Benefits for Grandparents:
- Increased mental wellbeing and socialization, including reduced rates of depression.
- A more active lifestyle.
- The potential to provide moral guidance and to share values.
- The rewarding sense that they are making a difference in the lives of their family, and to be wanted and needed.
A recently available AARP report reveals some interesting facts surrounding the grandparent-grandchild relationship:
- By the age of 65, an astounding 96% of individuals are grandparents. And with our population of seniors exploding with growth, by the year 2030, 20% of all Americans will be 65 or older.
- Grandparents have on average four to five grandchildren.
- Nearly ¾ of all 8-year-olds within the U.S. will also have a living great-grandparent by the year 2030.
- 10% of grandparents live with their grandchildren, and 5% are primary caregivers.
There are, nevertheless, several obstacles when it comes to grandchildren developing relationships with grandparents, the most significant being geographic distance. More than half of all grandparents are further than 200 miles away from at least one of their grandkids. And quite a few seniors are choosing to continue to work later in life, leaving a reduced amount of time available for family.
To overcome these hurdles, older adults are increasingly turning to technology – something that’s become especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, when self-quarantining was essential for seniors. Because of this, Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime have become household terms, helping enhance bonds even when in-person time together isn’t a possibility.
If you would like more suggestions for enhancing a grandparent/grandchild relationship, let At-Home Care Company, the experts in senior care in Urbandale, IA and the surrounding areas, help! Our innovative caregiving team can provide safe, accompanied transportation for family visits (no matter the distance!), prepare meals to help free up time so that seniors can schedule quality time with their grandkids, and much more.
Contact us any time at (515) 292-2650 to discover how an in-home caregiver from At-Home Care Company can help senior loved ones live the best possible life. Request a complimentary consultation to learn more about our trusted senior care in Urbandale, IA and the surrounding communities today!