1 . New research has found caring for grandchildren can make a difference to seniors. Publishing their findings in the journal Aging & Mental Health, a team of experts from Germany and the U.K. reviewed data from 28 studies which included 191, 652 adults from 21 countries.
People aged 60 or above who cared for their grandchildren for an average of 12 hours a week were 60% less likely to experience loneliness than non-caregivers, one of the reviewed studies found. Five other studies, out of a total of seven, also produced data showing a negative connection between loneliness and care-giving for grandchildren. What’s more, five out of six reviewed studies found seniors who volunteered in their communities felt less lonely than those who didn’t.
“This is the first review of its kind to look into the relationship between care-giving, volunteering, and loneliness in old people,” co-author Dr. Matthew Prina said. “Further research could help find the best dose (剂量) of caring for grandchildren. But valuing their unpaid activities will likely play an important role in their well-being. We also looked at studies that focused on care-giving for partners with serious health conditions. In those cases, seniors reported having higher levels of loneliness. This kind of care-giving may bed a lonely experience when there is lack of support from others.”
Experts further explained that when caring for children, older adults tend to be more drawn into society, through things like school, play dates and other social events. For example, seniors can actively join in different activities and continuously learn things from a younger generation.
While not everyone has young children in their life, volunteering opportunities also work. Now one group called Eldera is bringing the two concepts together. It focuses on connecting generations by pairing experienced adults aged 60 or above with children across the world. The wisdom of the elders, with years of experience, knowledge and common sense, is the most valuable resource for the younger generation. It can help them imagine a better future.
1. What did the new research find out about the elderly?| A．60% seniors are less likely to suffer loneliness. |
| B．Many of them are willing to be volunteers. |
| C．Their mental health is related to their personality. |
| D．Caregiving and volunteering can reduce loneliness. |
| A．The needs of the elderly are always placed second. |
| B．The elderly hardly get support from their family members. |
| C．Respecting the old’s contributions is beneficial to their health. |
| D．It is a tough job for the elderly to care for their grandchildren. |
| A．It inspires them to understand the society. |
| B．It helps them get more social opportunities. |
| C．It enables them to improve common sense. |
| D．It enhances their working ability. |
| A．Providing volunteer opportunities for the young. |
| B．Calling on people to care more about the elderly. |
| C．Spreading the wisdom of the old to the young. |
| D．Teaching old people skills of caring for children. |
