People Who Provide Support to Others Live Long

According to a new study, grandparents who often help out with childcare live longer than those who do not. The study has been done by the researchers from Berlin, Germany. The researchers said having full-time custody of grandchildren can have a positive effect on health. However, infrequent helping can be helpful for seniors too, said the researchers.

The researchers have also explained that having no contact can negatively affect the health of senior citizens. The lead author of the study Sonja Hilbrand, a doctoral student in the department of psychology at the University of Basel in Switzerland stated that helping in childcare is crucial for students.

The scientists suggested that the connection could be a mechanism deeply rooted in our evolutionary past when help with childcare was crucial for the survival of the human species.

For the study, the scientists have collected the data of over 500 people age 70 in the Berlin Aging Study. Additionally, the participant completed interviews and medical tests every two years between 1990 and 2009, said the researchers.

Content Source: Hindustan Times

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