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Close Grandparent-Adult Grandchildren Relationships = Less Depression

A new study (who else winces when they see those words?!) from Brown College declares that grandparents and adult grandchildren who share close emotional ties have less symptoms of depression.

Dang, I would have been happy to take the funding for that study and share that info; it’s a no-brainer.

Close Grandparent-Adult Grandchildren Relationships = Less Depression

We found that an emotionally close grandparent-adult grandchild relationship was associated with fewer symptoms of depression for both generations,” said Sara M. Moorman, an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and the Institute on Aging at Boston College. “The greater emotional support grandparents and adult grandchildren received from one another, the better their psychological health.”

So much of the grandparent-grandchild bond is emphasized in the early years of childhood, but it’s the exception to hear the relationship as adults being discussed, and that’s why I am happy to share the study.

I adored my paternal grandmother (my maternal grandmother died before I was born).  Grams and I shared a special bond throughout her life and when she passed I was heart-broken.  She not only helped guide me when I was a youngster, but she was a source of great strength in my adult life as well.

While she was a woman of very modest means, she gave me more than money could buy: she gave me her attention, devotion and much needed wisdom.  She was a gift to me every day I had her and I’ve never forgotten how her love saved me over the years.

I hope I can be as much to Sweet E as she was to me.

My grandmother was a New Yorker; I am a Texan. We were two very strong-minded individuals, but my sassy-mouth was closed when I was in her presence. She was a woman who did not tolerate foolishness (oh how she must have wondered how she had a grandchild like me), yet her well of love ran deeper than I would have ever needed.

Like I said, I adored her and I miss her.

Intuitively, I think we can all see the absolute truth of the the Brown College study.  When we surround ourselves with those who care, love and are genuinely interested in our well-being, of course we’re going to be happier.

I’m looking forward to a long life (God-willing!) of caring, loving and being close to Sweet E.  I hope he feels the same.

What say you?

 

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Shelly- minettesmaze.blogspot.com/

Sunday 20th of October 2013

Thanks for sharing this! We have always had a close relationship with our grandparents. My sister and I are the oldest grandchildren on one side and in the middle of the bunches of grands on the other!

Shelly

Mrs. Tucker

Sunday 20th of October 2013

I'm sure they love seeing and having a relationship with each and every one of you!

Shannon Schmid

Sunday 25th of August 2013

Thanks so much for linking up with Mommy Club Wednesday! I love that you shared this important study! Thanks!

Mrs. Tucker

Sunday 25th of August 2013

You're welcome!

Vicki @ Grams Made It

Friday 23rd of August 2013

I agree with you, we could have saved them a lot of time and money on research. I too was fortunate to have a great relationship with one of my grandmothers. I'm hoping to have the same with m grands.

Stopping in from The Grand Social.

Mrs. Tucker

Friday 23rd of August 2013

I think those of us who want, receive!

The Provision Room

Thursday 22nd of August 2013

That's lovely. Really lovely. I have great relationships with all my grandparents. Up until just 2 years ago, I had all four grandparents and my great-grandmother, too. I loved them all. Then we lost three in the same year summer. It was a rough time. My remaining two (my paternal grandfather and maternal grandmother) are so special and I try to keep in touch through cards and letters and visits as often as possible.

Thank you for the great post!

PINNING IT!!!!

Mrs. Tucker

Thursday 22nd of August 2013

It's tough losing loving grandparents. They know all the good stories! Thanks for such a nice comment. So sorry for your loss.

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