Grand Bargain
Studies show a strong grandparent-grandchild bond boosts the health and well-being of both.
Written by Diane Krieger | Photographed by Deidre Davidson
Because seniors are living far longer than in previous generations, it’s possible for rich, sustained grandparent-grandchild relationships to take root and flourish. Craig Leach knows this, which is part of the reason he’s retiring now. After a 40-year career at Torrance Memorial, the exiting CEO plans to spend a lot more time with his seven (soon to be nine) grandchildren.
“I would love to pick them up at school or take them to the beach while they’re still young enough to like having me around,” says the 68-year-old South Bay native.
Evidence is mounting about the powerful benefits on both sides of the intergenerational bond. For grandparents, staying connected helps improve physical and mental health. Those who have positive regular involvement with their grandkids report less depression and have a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Grandparents benefit physically from taking the grandkids to the playground, attending their sporting events and recitals, or just going on outings together. All of these activities involve some movement and social interaction, which is always good for seniors.
The desire to be present as a child grows incentivizes grandparents to protect their own health. It also motivates grandparents to keep thinking and learning. From a desire to stay on top of issues their grandchildren care about, seniors get exposed to new and different ideas they might not otherwise encounter.
The benefits to grandchildren are no less powerful. Research shows kids with deep ties to involved, caring grandparents have higher self-esteem, greater emotional stability, better social skills and stronger academic performance, according to Susan Bosak, author of How to Build the Grandma Connection.
Children whose grandparents play an important role in their lives also gain a tangible link to family history that helps cement their sense of identity. Beloved recipes, photo albums, stories and traditions get passed down through the generations in this way.
A good example is the Leach family’s annual scavenger hunt. “Every Christmas since our kids were little, Craig would write a poem. Each stanza is a clue. And that has continued to the grandchildren. It’s pretty cute to watch,” says Judy Leach, a retired nurse and Craig’s wife.
Grandparents can teach kids about love. Researchers in England found a close grandparent-grandchild relationship correlated with fewer emotional and behavioral problems in preteens and teens. It also significantly reduced conflict with peers and dampened the impact of distressing experiences like divorce and bullying.
Benefits extend to parents as well. Leaving a child with a trusted family member can take some of the stress off child-rearing. Unlike nannies or day care centers, grandparents typically adore their grandkids unconditionally.
Grandparents can lavish their time and undivided attention on grandkids—something tired, harried parents can’t always do. As kids get older, grandparents can be a reliable source of wisdom in navigating the bumps of life. When confusing emotions erupt, the last person teenagers may want to consult is a parent. But kids in strong grandparent-grandchild relationships have a built-in safe confidant.
And while parents are the ultimate gatekeepers, in times of family turmoil—such as a divorce or a parent’s remarriage—grandparents can provide comfort and much-needed stability to a confused child.
Even if grandparents live far away from their grandkids, the relationship can thrive. Allan Zullo, a grandfather who co-wrote A Boomer’s Guide to Grandparenting, encourages long-distance grandparents to share their hobbies and come up with fun collaborations with their grandkids.
Use the internet or cell phones to play games and chat regularly. Send texts, emails and photos. To reinforce and intensify the long-distance relationship, he recommends inviting the grandkids to stay over school breaks or part of the summer, which carries the added benefit of providing welcome downtime to their weary parents.
Craig Leach, the retiring CEO of Torrance Memorial, began his long and impactful career at the hospital in 1984 as director of finance. He served as chief financial officer and chief operating officer before his 2006 promotion to president and chief executive. Leach leaves behind a record of stunning expansion and surging excellence: a five-fold increase in hospital staff, the doubling of hospital-owned land, two new patient towers on the main campus and many community-based ambulatory care centers sprinkled across the South Bay; $350 million in philanthropy; and a trailblazing partnership with Cedars-Sinai health system. Leach will retire on October 31. He will be succeeded by Keith Hobbs, currently president of Torrance Memorial.
Leach and his wife, Judy, will celebrate their 45th anniversary in November. They have three sons and seven grandchildren—with two more on the way—who all live in the South Bay.
