Tess Simonetti, a retired elementary teacher in Massillon, Ohio, has seen it firsthand.
“When I began teaching, there was little to no involvement by grandparents with the students,” she says. “By the end of my career, many more grandparents played a large role.”
Grandparents today are more involved in their grandkid’s lives than ever before. And they’re being rewarded in a way they may not even realize. According to a recent study published in Evolution and Human Behavior, involvement in the life of a grandchild can add an average of five years to your life.
“I think it’s a very deeply rooted human behavior that has helped our species to survive,” explains the study’s lead author, Dr. Sonja Hilbrand from the University of Basel in Switzerland. “By supporting others with their accumulated knowledge and experience, [grandparents] are a valuable part of society while doing something good for their own health.”
Since 2001, the number of grandparents in the US has increased by 24%, from 56 million to 70 million. Good thing more grandparents are available; they’re needed now more than ever. The number of single parents continues to grow, many in the throes of the opioid crisis.
Involvement in a grandchild’s life can be demanding. Now would be a good time to make sure you have the health coverage you need, since Medicare doesn’t cover all costs or services. As a member of your association, you’re eligible for a free benefits review with a skilled AMBA agent.
Now a grandparent of six, Tess Simonetti can say from experience that your most important job may lie ahead.
And, it’ll be good for you.
SOURCES:
https://www.cantonrep.com/news/20190908/grandparents-have-growing-role-in-lives-of-grandchildren
https://www.elsevier.com/atlas/story/people/could-caring-for-your-grandchildren-help-you-live-longer
