Older adults are often encouraged to stay mentally sharp through exercise and social activities.
New research suggests that family involvement, specifically caring for grandchildren, may also be associated with stronger cognitive performance.
Findings from a large aging study
According to a study published in the journal Psychology and Aging, grandparents who help look after their grandchildren tend to perform better in tests of memory and language than those who do not provide care.
The analysis is based on data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and includes 2,887 grandparents aged 50 and over, with an average age of 67.
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Participants were followed between 2016 and 2022 and completed both questionnaires and repeated cognitive assessments.
Researchers adjusted for factors such as age and physical health to reduce the influence of other variables.
Differences seen among grandmothers
The association was particularly strong among grandmothers.
Over the six-year period, women who were involved in caring for grandchildren showed a smaller decline in memory and language skills compared with those who were not caregivers.
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The researchers emphasise, however, that the results demonstrate a link rather than a direct causal effect.
The study cannot determine whether caregiving itself improves brain function.
Why involvement may matter
Flavia Chereches of Tilburg University, one of the study’s authors, noted that the findings suggest it is not the frequency of care or the specific tasks that matter most.
Instead, being actively involved in a caregiving role appears to be the key factor.
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She also pointed out that the wider family context may play an important role, as voluntary caregiving within a supportive environment is likely to differ from care provided under pressure.
The researchers say the findings contribute to broader research showing that meaningful social roles may support cognitive health as people age.
Sources: SciTechDaily, and Psychology and Aging.
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