A new national poll from the University of Michigan's National Poll on Healthy Aging reveals that being a grandparent can provide significant mental health benefits for seniors, helping them avoid loneliness and enhancing their sense of companionship.

According to the poll, 72% of seniors with grandchildren reported rarely feeling isolated, compared to only 62% of those without grandchildren. Grandparents were also less likely to report poor mental health, with only 9% describing their mental health as fair or poor, compared to 13% of those without grandkids.

“Becoming a grandparent is a major milestone for many older adults,” said Kate Bauer, an associate professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. “Our findings show there are many dimensions to grandparenting, and possible positive effects, some of which may not be widely recognized.”

The poll surveyed 3,486 adults aged 50 to 94 and found that about 60% of adults aged 50 and older have at least one grandchild, with 27% reporting five or more grandchildren. Grandparents aged 65 and older were the most likely to have grandchildren, with 76% having at least one, compared to 46% of adults in their 50s and early 60s.

The frequency of interaction with grandchildren was also linked to reduced feelings of isolation. Among grandparents who saw their grandchildren daily, 78% reported rarely feeling isolated, compared to 65% who saw them only a few times per year. Regular involvement also appeared to foster a sense of companionship: 70% of grandparents who saw their grandchildren frequently reported hardly ever feeling a lack of companionship, versus 57% of those with infrequent visits.

Grandparents are often actively engaged in the lives of their grandchildren, the poll found. Nearly half (49%) provide care for children under 18 at least occasionally, while 18% see their grandkids daily or nearly daily. Shared meals are another common way of connecting, with 61% of grandparents dining with their grandchildren in the past month. Many grandparents also use mealtimes to pass down traditions, with 47% buying or preparing food and 36% cooking or baking together.

“Eating, and especially cooking, with grandchildren can be an opportunity for older adults to make important social and cultural connections, such as passing down knowledge and recipes,” Bauer explained. She noted that food-centered activities can be a platform for promoting healthy nutrition messages.

Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren, director of the poll, encourages health care providers to inquire about older patients' involvement with grandchildren, especially if they struggle with loneliness. "Even virtual connections can help bridge distances," he said, underscoring the value of these intergenerational bonds.

As older adults face increasing risks of social isolation, findings from this poll emphasize the powerful role grandchildren can play in enhancing mental well-being and companionship.