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
These teeny spiders are social media stars
August 28, 2026
The New York Times turned to a University of Cincinnati professor to explain the appeal of jumping spiders on social media.
An internal divide among unions on AI impacts the Wisconsin gubernatorial race
August 28, 2026
Anne Lofaso, a professor in the Donald P. Klekamp College of Law at UC, spoke with Wisconsin Public Radio, about the schism among unions over AI and whether it is a plus, a negative, or somewhere in between when looking at job creation.
On-site training in Speech & Hearing Clinic sets UC’s programs apart
August 27, 2026
At the University of Cincinnati’s Speech & Hearing Clinic, Doctor of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology graduate students gain real-world experience while providing free speech and hearing services to the community.