Summer Fun has Just Begun!

The grandkids are out of school and looking for fun in the sun. Just because  they are out of school, doesn't mean they should take a break from learning about the world and their place in it.  What better way for them to learn than from their elder family members – who have the most experience at life?

The benefits of sharing time together, to both grandkids and grandparents,  is overwhelmingly positive! It has been found that spending time with “the grands” can help to foster the following:  increased socialism through active lifestyle, boosts to morale and cognition, as well as ultimately strengthening the bond of families.

1.  Increased Socialism through Active Lifestyle

When you participate in activities to entertain and teach your children’s children, you, undoubtedly, increase your own activity.  Regardless of whether you are taking them to the park or zoo, making cookies or crafts, or playing games, such as hide and seek, you are reducing your sedentary tendencies by decreasing inactivity.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, “Having an inactive lifestyle can be one of the causes of many chronic diseases. By not getting regular exercise, you raise your risk of

• Obesity
• Heart diseases, including coronary artery disease and heart attack
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Stroke
• Metabolic syndrome
• Type 2 diabetes
• Certain cancers, including colon, breast, and uterine cancers
• Osteoporosis and falls
• Increased feelings of depression and anxiety

Having a sedentary lifestyle can also raise your risk of premature death. And the more sedentary you are, the higher your health risks are.”

Additionally, Silver Maples of Chelsea, a retirement neighborhood, noted “while exercise is extremely important for a high quality of life, the connections you make with others and the relationships you continue to build also have a major impact on your overall wellness.” Therefore, the benefit of exercising and socializing are important to our health and wellbeing, regardless of our age, but especially to the senior populous.

2. Boosts to Morale and Cognition

Taking care of your physical health can benefit your mental health!  Who knew that doing activities with our grandchildren, as well as with others, could help us to maintain healthy bodies and minds? 

This fact is further supported by the National Institute of Aging, when they indicated that “Connecting with other people through social activities and community programs can keep your brain active and help you feel less isolated and more engaged with the world around you. Participating in social activities may lower the risk for some health problems and improve well-being.

So, visit with family and friends. Join programs through your Area Agency on Aging, senior center, or other community organizations.

We don't know for sure yet if any of these actions can prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease and age–related cognitive decline. But some of them have been associated with reduced risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.”

Additionally, according to the National Institute on Aging, "people who engage in meaningful, productive activities with others tend to live longer, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose." (Yet another affirmation of how our relationships with our grandchildren, and others, help us to live longer, healthier, lives!)

3. Strengthening the Bond of Families

Finally, Rudy Giuliani said it best when he said, “What children need the most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, and lessons in life.”

In closing, the following link, https://considerable.com/100-things-to-do-with-your-grandchild-th/, gives ideas for 100 things to do with your grandchild this summer. (This article originally appeared on grandparents.com) In the words of Considerable.com, “Get ready to have some fun in the sun. There's something for every grandparent and grandchild on our list of oh-so-simple summer activities.”

Enjoy the summer, create memories with those grandchildren, and be safe!