Grandparents Who Babysit Live Longer

By: Phoebe Ackland, ellaslist

Next time you're bustling your rambunctious little ones through nan and pop's door so that you can have your third kid-free date night of the week, ask them to thank you! It turns out, it's not a golf or gardening keeping grandparents alive and kicking....it's the grandbabies.

Caring Pays Off

A study published in the Evolution and Human Behaviour Medical Journal showed that seniors with regular babysitting duties had a whopping 37% lower mortality rate than those aged 70 years+ who only had themselves to look after. Furthermore, seniors who looked after or supported adult children or other people in their social network were also found to have a longer life expectancy. 

But why is this the case? Although the researchers claimed that a deeper look into cause/effect was needed, these stats are likely the result of babysitting grandparents having a great sense of purpose, as well as little ones keeping them mentally and physically active. 

Book in a playdate at nanna's house ASAP!