Grandparenting and Brain Health

For many international families living in the Netherlands, grandparents play a special role—whether they live nearby, visit often, or stay connected across borders. Beyond emotional support and childcare, new research suggests something remarkable:

👉 Caring for grandchildren may actually help keep grandparents’ brains healthier for longer.

What the Research Shows

A recent study published in Psychology and Aging followed nearly 3,000 grandparents over several years to explore how caregiving affects cognitive health.

The findings were clear:

• Grandparents who cared for their grandchildren performed better on memory and language tests

• These benefits appeared regardless of how often they provided care

• Grandmothers who were involved in caregiving showed less cognitive decline over time

In other words, being involved matters more than how much or what kind of care is provided.

Why Does Grandparenting Benefit the Brain?

While the study did not pinpoint a single cause, several factors likely contribute to these positive effects:

1. Mental Stimulation

Interacting with children—playing games, helping with homework, or having conversations—keeps the brain active and engaged.

2. Emotional Connection

Strong emotional bonds can reduce stress and promote overall wellbeing, which supports brain health.

3. Sense of Purpose

Being needed and valued within the family can enhance motivation, mood, and cognitive functioning.

4. Social Engagement

Caregiving often increases social interaction, which is a known protective factor against cognitive decline.

The Unique Context of International Families

For expat and international families in the Netherlands, grandparent involvement can look very different:

• Some grandparents live abroad and visit occasionally

• Others may relocate temporarily to help with childcare

• Some families rely on digital connection (video calls, storytelling, online games)

  
  

The research offers encouraging news:

👉Even varied or less frequent involvement can still be meaningful.

It’s not about constant caregiving—it’s about connection and engagement.

A Balanced Perspective: When Caregiving Helps (and When It Doesn’t)

The study also highlights an important nuance:

Not all caregiving experiences are equally beneficial.

Positive effects are more likely when:

• Caregiving is voluntary

• Grandparents feel supported and appreciated

• The family environment is cooperative and respectful

On the other hand, stress, obligation, or lack of support can reduce—or even reverse—these benefits.

What Families Can Do

For families navigating life across cultures, there are simple ways to strengthen these intergenerational benefits:

1. Encourage Meaningful Interaction

Focus on quality moments:

• Reading stories together

• Sharing cultural traditions

• Talking about daily life

  
  

2. Support Grandparents’ Role

Make sure grandparents feel:

• Included in family decisions

• Appreciated for their contributions

• Comfortable setting boundaries

3. Use Technology Creatively

When distance is a factor:

• Schedule regular video calls

• Let grandparents help with homework remotely

• Encourage storytelling or language-sharing sessions

4. Keep It Flexible

There’s no “ideal” level of involvement. What matters most is that the relationship feels positive and sustainable for everyone.

A Broader Takeaway

This research reinforces something many families already feel intuitively:

Strong intergenerational relationships benefit everyone.

• Children gain emotional security and cultural identity

• Parents receive practical and emotional support

• Grandparents maintain cognitive engagement and purpose

Final Thoughts

For international families in the Netherlands, building and maintaining connections across generations can sometimes require extra effort—but it’s effort well spent.

Grandparent involvement is not just a family value.

It may also be a powerful way to supporting long-term brain health and wellbeing.

At Baumgarten Child Psychology and More, we see every day how meaningful relationships shape development across the lifespan—from early childhood to later adulthood.

If you’d like guidance on strengthening family relationships or supporting your child within a multicultural family context, we’re here to help.