Priyanka Tiwari
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Becoming a parent changes a person’s life forever. While the joys of nurturing children can be special in their own right, sleepless nights and anxiety can also be pretty daunting. It is often believed that raising a child increases the mental and physical stress a person goes through, and can even make a person age faster. New research, however, suggests otherwise. It indicates that the responsibilities surrounding raising a child could, in fact, be advantageous for one’s brain during old age.
This study that was recently published in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” journal has analyzed the brain scans of about 38 thousands adults aged between 40 – 70 years from the UK Biobank. The researchers observed that individuals who were caregivers had much stronger structural connections in the regions of their brain related to caregiving than those who didn’t provide care to any children. Usually, as a person ages, the brain's structural connectivity with regard to movement and sensation starts declining. While elderly caregivers in the study did experience this decline, it was not as pronounced when compared to other adults who were not caregivers.
What are the benefits to the brain?
Looking after children makes use of various senses. Activities such as holding, rocking and feeding children keep the sense organs stimulated. Moreover, engagement with kids allows the brain to be psychologically and emotionally active all the time. Parents make snap decisions to identify children’s needs and resolve unforeseen problems. This enhances skills like problem-solving, multi-tasking and decision-making which actively exercises the brain.
Sociality brings benefit too
The studies also showed that parents have increased social life. While parenting, they need to interact with teachers, doctors and other parents that expand their social network. This enables them to have wider coverage. As noted by specialists, social connections are important for brain functioning and may decrease risks associated with memory problems.
Universal caregiving
These findings are not restricted to biological parents. Anyone who looks after abandoned children or supports sick old people can avail of these benefits. In addition, regular physical activity, good nutrition, cognitive education, and involvement in community activities are essential for optimal brain health.
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