How Grandparent-Grandchild Relationships Boost Health and Well-Being

Strong relationships between grandparents and grandchildren are more than just heartwarming. They have been shown to contribute to better health, sharper minds, and deeper emotional connections across generations.

“At Right at Home, we’ve seen firsthand how relationships in grandfamilies (also called kinship families) improve the quality of life for both older adults and younger family members,” says Patti Walter, owner/operator at Right at Home Northern Colorado “As an in-home caregiving agency, we not only support day-to-day care but also champion the kind of intergenerational connections that lead to healthier, happier lives.”

Here’s why nurturing the grandparent-grandchild bond matters—and how it helps at any age.

The Health Benefits Go Both Ways

For grandparents:

Spending meaningful time with grandchildren can reduce the risk of depression, cognitive decline, and even chronic illness. Studies show that older adults who engage regularly with younger generations report lower levels of loneliness and higher life satisfaction.

Conversations and shared activities also help keep the mind active. Whether helping with homework, discussing current events, or sharing stories from the past, these interactions stimulate memory, language, and problem-solving skills—all critical for healthy aging.

For grandchildren:

The benefits aren’t one-sided, says Walter “Grandchildren who have strong relationships with their grandparents often show greater emotional intelligence, resilience, and a stronger sense of identity.” Grandparents offer a unique kind of support—less authoritative than a parent, but still deeply rooted in love and life experience.

In families where grandparents help with caregiving—either regularly or as needed—children can experience more stability, better behavior, and improved academic outcomes. And even as teens or adults, grandchildren often gain valuable perspective from a grandparent’s lived experience.

Mind the (Communication) Gap

Of course, every generation speaks its own “language.” Misunderstandings between grandparents and grandchildren can happen, especially in today’s fast-moving digital culture. But these gaps can be bridged with a bit of patience and intention.

Walter suggests some tips for different generations to improve communication with each other:

• Don’t assume disinterest. Grandparents may not know current slang or how to use current technology, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care. Grandchildren may seem tied to their toys or screens, but—as anyone who has raised children knows—they are always listening.
• Ask open-ended questions. Encouraging storytelling and reflection can lead to richer conversations.
• Be mindful of hearing or cognitive limitations. For grandchildren, making simple adjustments—speaking clearly, avoiding noisy environments—can make a big difference. Grandparents can make the most of mealtimes or times when grandchildren are least busy.
• Respect different life stages. A teen might be navigating identity or stress about the future; a grandparent may be dealing with health issues or loss. “Understanding context helps both sides show compassion,” says Walter.

Supporting Each Other Through Care

In-home caregiving often highlights how much grandparents and grandchildren lean on one another. “Grands”—both generations—have been caring for each other more and more in recent years. Adult grandchildren may step into caregiving roles, providing companionship, managing medications, or helping coordinate care. On the flip side, grandparents often remain active caregivers in their own right—babysitting, offering financial support, or simply being a trusted presence. These roles can be deeply rewarding, but also emotionally complex for both parties.

Whether or not the grands relationships include caregiving, there are many ways to support them:

• Schedule regular visits or calls. Routine contact reduces isolation and builds trust and familiarity.
• Share activities. Cook a favorite recipe together, take a walk, or explore family history.
• Use tech—current and older—to stay connected. Teach each other—whether it’s FaceTime or how to play an old record.
• Include caregiving support. Home care agencies can ease the load by providing daily assistance and helping maintain a safe, comfortable home environment.

Caregiving Equals Connection

Grandparent-grandchild relationships can be an important part of healthy aging and emotional development for all involved. They remind us that caregiving is more than a service; it’s a connection. At Right at Home, we’re proud to support families in building and maintaining those connections, every step of the way.

Need help supporting a grandparent or looking for ways to strengthen intergenerational bonds? Our care team is here to help with personalized, in-home services and expert guidance.

About Right at Home of Northern Colorado

The Northern Colorado office of Right at Home is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, LLC, serving the communities of Larimer and Weld County. For more information, contact Right at Home of Northern Colorado at rightathome.net/northern-colorado , at 970-494-1111 or by email at pwalter@ncoloradorah.com.