Top Six Best Activities to Do with Your Grandparents With Grandparents Day right around the corner, one might be thinking of a great activity to honor their grandma and grandpa. But instead of just eating out in the new food spots in the metro or strolling around some random mall, why not do something more special than that? Last week, we at ShoppersGuide asked our readers their favorite activities with their grandparents and the results are in. Check and see the perfect activity you can do with your own lolo (grandpa) and lola (grandma).
6. Watching movies
Watch some black-and-white movies with your grandparents and learn something new. Starting off our list is watching movies with your grandparents. Watching movies might seem awkward for some, especially with the generational gap between grandparents and grandkids. However, this could be a great learning activity for young and old alike.
Studies show that grandparents who spend time with grandkids retain their memory and lower the chances of dementia or developing Alzheimer’s disease. Watching classic movies like All About Eve or war movies like Pearl Harbor can be great conversation starters that will have you and your grandparents talking for hours!
5. Looking at old photos
Discovery family secrets and stories when you browse old photos with your grandparents. On our fifth spot is looking at old photos with your grandparents. Mundane as it may be, activities as simple as looking at old photos help strengthen family values, especially in children. Looking at old photos brings back memories of your family’s history which often brings pride to the children. Who knew grandpa was a war veteran, or that grandma worked with former politicians or socialites? Through old family photos, grandparents can also help their grandkids have a better perspective in life.
4. Storytelling
Who knew storytelling benefits both grandparents and grandkids? The fourth activity to do with your grandparents on our list is storytelling. This may be applicable to younger children only, but it still possesses great benefits for both young and old. From bedtime stories to even your personal family history, storytelling helps both grandparents and grandkids. Studies show that having close relationships with their grandparents help grandkids have fewer emotional and behavioral problems. It also helps them have fewer difficulties with friends, making them better adults later in life.
3. Gardening
Be healthy and happy when you do gardening with your grandparents. The activity that made it to our third spot is gardening. Visiting your lolo or lola in the province shouldn’t just be spent snacking on the baked goodies they prepare. Grandkids can also help out in the backyard and tend to their garden. Aside from being a source of healthier and fresher produce, studies show that gardening helps reduce stress and anxiety. It also lessens the chance of Alzheimer’s disease for grandparents. Gardening also induces happiness, especially when grandparents and grandkids harvest the fruits and veggies they planted.
2. Reminiscing about old memories
Bring your grandparents for a walk and remember the days of old. The second activity on our list is reminiscing about old memories. Aside from looking at old photos with your grandparents, reminiscing is also a great activity to get to know them better! You can gather questions you’ve always wanted to ask and interview them on Grandparent’s Day. Aside from being a fun activity for both your parents and grandparents, you’ll also gain new information about your family. These kinds of activities will ultimately help strengthen your relationship with one another.
1. Cooking
Voter’s comment: “I'm the heir of grandma's secret recipes.” - Dane
Learn family recipes and cooking tricks when you help out at your grandparent’s kitchen. The activity that topped our list is cooking. Instead of just eating what your grandparents prepare every time you visit, why not help them in the kitchen? Cooking may be an activity more suited to adult grandchildren, but spending time with your grandparents no matter your age is still beneficial. Studies show that spending time with your grandparents helps reduce depressive symptoms. This is true not just for you but for your grandparents, too. It’s also your chance to get to know them better or even learn some family recipes. Ready to spend Grandparent’s Day with your lolo and lola? Tell us on the comments section below which of these activities you will try first! Results are based on the Top 10 Best Activities to Do with Grandparents Poll posted at the home page of ShoppersGuide.com.ph from August 21 to August 27, 2017.