Skip to main content

Important Changes for Patients and Visitors Arriving at White Plains Hospital’s Campus. Learn more.

Health library

6 simple ways to bond with your grandkids

A child, mother and grandmother smiling and laughing.

Dec. 23, 2024—Around a third of older adults say they sometimes or often feel lonely, a new JAMA study shows. But spending time with grandkids—whether they're biological, adopted, step-grandchildren or even honorary grandkids—can be a powerful antidote.

Older adults who often spend time with the young people in their life are less socially isolated, suggests a University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging. They also report better mental and physical health.

Plus, grandparent-grandkid time is just plain fun. Seeing the world through a child's eyes can give you a sense of wonder and play. You get to share your life's stories and interests too. And you'll both come away with cherished memories.

6 ideas for intergenerational fun

Begin by offering activities that touch on your interests. You can make them fun and approachable for your grandchild based on their age and attention span. Start small and simple, especially with younger kids. Limit distractions by keeping the TV turned off. (And remember to always put safety first!)

Some ideas to try:

  • Pass on a skill or hobby. Share what you're passionate about—whether it's knitting and needlework, woodworking, bird-watching, drawing or painting, or playing an instrument.
  • Go for a walk. Explore the neighborhood, a nearby park or even a weather-protected inside space like a mall. Talk about what you both see, hear and even smell along the way. Make discovering what you find into a game.
  • Play games. Burn off some energy with tag, catch, or hide and seek. Or get cozy inside with puzzles, a board game or playing cards.
  • Grow something. Plant seeds in a garden bed or in a pot on your windowsill—and watch them come to life. You can even plant a themed garden by growing herb and veggie pizza toppings.
  • Cook together. Share a favorite family recipe. Or look up something new to make. Whip up a fruit smoothie, bake and decorate cookies, or make fresh noodles with DIY pasta dough.
  • Take photos with them. Document your time together with some sweet snapshots. Have the photos printed and make an album or scrapbook the next time you see each other.

If you don't live near your grandkids, you can still stay connected. Hop on the phone or use a video app to chat or read stories. You can also exchange emails—or even send old-fashioned snail mail. And if you don't have grandchildren, consider volunteering to help kids in your area.

Sources

Read more breaking news Related stories
Featured Topics
Quick Links