Active Grandparents Live Healthier and Longer

Grandchildren are a source of joy, bringing hugs, smiles, and laughter. But did you know that grandkids can also help Grandpa and Grandma live stronger and longer? As America celebrates Grandparents Day on September 8, let’s look at the “active grandparent” hypothesis. As reported in a Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal article co-authored by paleoanthropologist Daniel E. Lieberman, professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard University, exercise adds to longevity and decreases morbidity.

Unlike our distant relatives, our retirement years offer a chance to relax and slow down. Previous generations did not have that opportunity, as they had to keep foraging for food for themselves, their children, and their grandchildren to survive. Although their life spans were shorter than ours because of the lack of modern medicine, our ancestors were stronger due to regular exercise.

“In the past, once you became very sick, you were likely to die. But with today’s therapies, we can keep sick people alive for decades,” explains Lieberman. Today in the United States, the average life span is 77 years, but the average health span is 63 years. “We should stop focusing so much on life span and focus more on health span,” he adds.

To draw a contrast between Americans and today’s hunter-gatherers, the recommended U.S. guideline for exercise is 2.5 hours a week, whereas the Hadza of northern Tanzania are active four to six hours a day. The comparison is revealing: The Hadza adults have an overweight-obesity prevalence of about 2%, and in the U.S., it is above 70%.

Get a Move On: Activities to Benefit Grandparents and Grandchildren

Sure, grandkids should spend quiet time with Grandma and Grandpa, doing things such as reading and playing board games together, but it’s also a good idea to get up and get moving. The following are some suggestions. All are low impact, build strength and flexibility, improve breathing and circulation, and are fun!

• Play pickleball. It’s the latest rage that grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy together.
• Grow a garden. There’s nothing more gratifying than planting a seed and watching it sprout and grow.
• Take a hike in the woods. Both kids and older adults could have that “oh, my gosh” moment when an unusual bird is spotted.
• Walk the dog. You may think walking the dog is only good for the dog, but a regular walk is an excellent way to exercise and engage in conversation.
• Take a tai chi class together. Tai chi is great for balance and muscle strength and enjoyable for young and old.
• Go for a swim. Swimming is not only a summer activity but also a winter one at your local YMCA.
• Kick the soccer ball. Mark off a large circle with a target in the center and challenge each other to see who comes closest to it.
• Play catch. Whether it’s with a baseball, softball, or even a tennis ball, your arm muscles will appreciate it.

How Right at Home Can Help

Right at Home’s trained and insured/bonded caregivers are passionate about helping aging adults live independently, no matter where they call home. To find out more, use our office locator to speak to a local office that can help you navigate the aging journey. You could also download a copy of the “12 Questions To Ask When Choosing an In-Home Care Provider” flyer to help you with the aging journey.

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