Did you know that grandparents who babysit may live longer? Parents out there, click “Save” on this one to show Grandma and Grandpa that date nights for mom and dad should be mandatory. Is this rumor true? According to an article by the Cleveland Clinic, grandparents who provided some care for either grandchildren or others had a reduced risk of death over 20 years.
With a reported 70 MILLION grandparents in the United States, that could be a lot of babysitting, happy couples, and smiling grandkids! How about an even higher number than that, when you think of all of the hugs, sweet treats, forehead kisses, and “You know, back in my day” stories!
Being a grandparent is a gift that goes deeper than just the warm and fuzzies.
Check out the additional health benefits…
- All those grandbaby hugs may improve your immune system
- You stay social
- Being with grandkids may reduce stress
- It keeps you learning new things
- It gives you purpose
- It helps you stay active
- Spending time with grandchildren may reduce depression (for the grandkids too)
With all of these benefits, not to mention all of the laughter and fun, let’s celebrate the folks who’ve made such an amazing contribution to us.
5 ways to celebrate this year:
1. Plan a visit.
Mark your calendar, make a plan, and just make sure you call, write, or visit with your grandparents to celebrate the day.
If you have too many miles in between, give tech a try and celebrate by Zoom this year – just don’t skip out.
2. Bring them their favorite dessert.
Make them a cake or cookies from scratch, or send them a delivery of cheesecake from their favorite restaurant.
If your grandparents live in an assisted living community, call and ask if you can borrow the kitchen for a couple of hours to bake together. Share the goodies and the experience with their neighbors and make it joyous for them, too.
3. Take them for a drive in the country.
Go check out the local wildlife, farmer’s markets, or the fall colors in the pumpkin patch.
Drive them to the places they like to visit. Use the day to go back in time and revive some of those fond memories.
If you live too far away to spend the day, send them a video or photo gallery with pictures of their favorite places/memories, and be sure to include one of yourself too.
4. Play their favorite game or watch one on TV.
Whether grandma likes to play gin rummy, or grandpa likes to watch football, make the day all about play.
If your grandparents live in a senior living community, call ahead and join in on the activities to share the fun with them and their friends.
5. Read them a book.
If your grandparents enjoy being read to, pull out a fun book, or better yet, take your littles in to read their favorites to great-grandma and grandpa. There’s nothing more precious than seeing those animated little faces read things aloud to the crowd.
Celebrating Grandparents’ Day at Edgewood doesn’t have to look different!
Don’t let geography deter you from celebrating with your grandparents. At Edgewood, we LOVE to celebrate! We keep our activities calendar jam-packed with events, outings, and many celebrations, and we love it when families can join our fun. On birthdays, holidays, Grandparents’ Day, or Sundays, we’re always ready to party.
If you’d like to join us for the array of activities and outings, give us a call at 701-738-2000, or email us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com. We have lots of great space for families to celebrate.
Happy Grandparents’ Day!
Skip to content