Having celebrated Grandparents Day in September, now is a great time to take a look at the many benefits of the intergenerational relationships that older adults treasure. There might just be something to the adage that being around kids will “keep you young.” So many older adults relish the experience of being with their grandchildren and all of the joy the youngsters bring to their lives. It turns out research backs up those enjoyable experiences with data, too.

The Cleveland Clinic reports that a benefit of interacting with grandchildren is increased physical activity. Chasing around the little ones is good for mobility and exercise. It also helps ease the childcare burden that so many exhausted parents face. The unconditional love between grandparents and grandchildren provides meaning in the lives of the elderly and fosters lower levels of stress and depression. For kids, good relationships with grandparents result in fewer emotional and behavioral problems, too. 

Autumn is a great time for an outing with grandchildren before winter sets in. Near Friendship Village, fall attractions include nearby Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm, where activities include a corn stalk maze, pig racing, and wagon rides. Or simply walk the gorgeous grounds at Friendship Village and experience its gardens, ponds, and other natural features. As we’ve written before, there are many more recreational and other amenities in Schaumburg including the giant, 3,500-acre Busse Woods Forest Preserve. ]

Older adults play several roles throughout their lives, whether as parent, breadwinner, sibling, or friend. But it may go without saying that being a grandparent is among the most satisfying—and important—roles of all.