Poll shows grandkids help grandparents feel less lonely
UC expert shares additional benefits that come from grandparent-grandchild relationship
The role of a grandparent is multifaceted and valuable, especially when families are facing a child care crisis or when someone needs to fill the "parent" role for unforeseen reasons.
Despite some of the immediate impact that grandparents have on grandkids, new data suggests the benefits flow both ways. A recent poll conducted by the University of Michigan and featured at Parents.com shows the importance of grandchildren in grandparents' lives, referencing a decrease in loneliness and an increase in mental health.
The data comes from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, based at the University of Michigan's Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.
Steven Kniffley Jr., PsyD, senior associate dean for pathway innovation and inclusive excellence and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, said the transition to old age is filled with self-reflective questions about making a difference, contributing to the world's betterment and leaving a positive legacy for future generations. Within this context, it would make sense why grandparents are experiencing a mutual positive benefit from being part of their grandchildren's lives.
"Each moment with their grandchildren is a purposeful reminder that the contributions of grandparents matter," said Kniffley. "Additionally, for grandparents, grandchildren are an explicit representation of the positive legacy they are hoping to leave behind."
Kniffley also noted how grandchildren allow grandparents to communicate and instill morals, values and expectations of achievement through storytelling and passing down family rituals that they believe will contribute to the world becoming a better place.
"Grandparents can see the world healing in real-time by spending time with (and caring for) their grandchildren," he said.
Featured image at top: Two generations holding hands. Photo/istock/guvendemir.
Related Stories
Why is there a statue of Stephen Foster in Cincinnati?
June 26, 2026
Even if you don't know American parlor composer Stephen Foster, you’ve probably heard his music. His mid-19th century folk songs, including “Camptown Races” and “Oh Susanna,” make appearances in pop culture to this day. There’s a statue of Foster overlooking the Ohio river in Alms Park that prompted WVXU's Bill Rinehart to feature him in his Cincinnati mysteries segment, OKI Wanna Know. WVXU turned to University of Cincinnati music history expert Kristy Swift for a peek into Foster’s life and impact in the region.
World Cup watch parties unite fans, communities
June 26, 2026
UC Assistant Professor Letisha Brown tells Spectrum News that watch parties for sporting events and entertainment are popular because people feed on others' excitement.
Drone-delivered groceries descending into Cincinnati
June 25, 2026
Walmart is bringing drone delivery to Cincinnati, as reported by 700WLW. Host Scott Sloan spoke with Michael Jones, associate professor of economics at the University of Cincinnati's Lindner College of Business, for a look at what it means for Cincinnati shoppers.