It’s National Grandparents Day, and you might already be looking forward to some quality time with the little (or not-so-little) ones in your life. Maybe that means a trip to the park, a marathon baking session in the kitchen or just an afternoon of playing whatever game they’re currently obsessed with. Whatever your plans look like, there’s a good chance you’re doing it because it brings you joy—and because, let’s be honest, spoiling grandkids is one of life’s great pleasures.
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But if you need another excuse to say yes to one more sleepover or one more round of hide-and-seek, here’s some fantastic news: all that babysitting, baking and playing is actually doing wonders for your brain! According to an eight-year study involving nearly 3,000 grandparents, engaging in caregiving activities for your grandchildren offers significant cognitive benefits as you age.
So today, as you celebrate the grandparents in your life (or embrace your own grandparent status), know that those everyday moments of connection do more than make memories—they actively protect the brain that’s making them. Here’s what the science says.
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The Science Behind the Grandparenting Boost
During the study, participants completed regular surveys and took tests to measure their memory and language skills. The results were clear: as a group, grandparents who actively cared for their grandkids scored higher on cognitive tests than those who didn’t.
“Grandparents who participated in care of their grandchildren—driving them, cooking for them, leisure activities with them and so forth—had better cognition and better cognitive outcomes over time than individuals who didn’t care for their grandchildren,” Dr. Dylan Wint, MD, a neurologist at Cleveland Clinic, said in a press release.
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Interestingly, the study noted a special perk for grandmothers in particular, who saw significantly less decline on cognitive tests when they participated in caregiving. Dr. Wint notes that more research is needed to understand exactly why this difference exists, but the overall takeaway is incredibly positive.
No Grandkids? No Problem
If you aren’t a grandparent, don’t live close to your family or just aren’t involved in direct caregiving, there’s absolutely no need to panic. The secret ingredient here isn’t necessarily “grandchildren”—it’s engagement.
“I don’t want this to be scary for those who may not have grandchildren or aren’t close enough to actually directly participate,” Dr. Wint reassures. Instead, he says, the real lesson is about the power of staying active.
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Here are his top takeaways for protecting your brain health, whether you’re chasing toddlers or not:
- Stay engaged: Keep yourself physically, socially and cognitively busy on a regular basis.
- Lean into what you love: You don’t need to invent a brand-new, complicated routine to get these benefits. “This can happen in things that you like to do anyway,” Dr. Wint says.
- Keep moving: If the hobbies and activities you currently enjoy are keeping you active and on your toes, you are already on the right track!
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Sources
- Chereches, F. S., Olaru, G., Ballhausen, N., & Brehmer, Y. (2026). Grandparents’ cognition and caregiving for grandchildren: Frequency, type, and variety of activities. Psychology and Aging. Advance online publication.
- How Caring for Grandkids Can Help with Brain Health, Cleveland Clinic
- Dr. Dylan Wint, MD, a neurologist at Cleveland Clinic