I shouldn’t have made it through my premature birth. Arriving in 1982, three months early and weighing just 1lb and 10oz, my young parents were barely navigating their own lives, let alone the responsibilities of parenthood. They struggled to bond with me, their fragile daughter, ultimately leaving my care to my maternal grandmother. Had it not been for her, I might not have survived, neglected by parents who were overwhelmed.
Under my grandmother’s watch, I was provided with nourishing meals, lessons in cleanliness (and decency), and a real sense of determination. She became my rock, guiding me to become the person I am today. Kristen Hawkes, an anthropologist at the University of Utah, argues that grandmothers impart vital social skills that form the foundation for the evolution of uniquely human traits, such as pair bonding, increased brain size, and our cooperative nature. I am a living example of the profound impact a grandmother can have on one’s life.
The Grandmother Hypothesis explores why women, particularly mothers, may enjoy longer lifespans. In an essay by Lindsay Abrams in The Atlantic, she discusses the research of Hawkes and James O’Connell. They propose that older women in early human history contributed to the survival of their grandchildren by gathering food, which allowed their daughters to have more children sooner. Thus, the most evolutionarily successful grandmothers had more grandchildren, passing on their longevity-promoting genes.
Researcher Sacha Engelhardt found that women living more than 200 miles away from their mothers had 1.75 fewer children than those who lived closer. My grandmother was like the Energizer Bunny; she tirelessly woke me each morning, helped me tidy my room, and prepared meals for my siblings and me. She stepped into a role my mother could not fulfill, proving that a good grandmother benefits everyone involved.
A study from Finland revealed that toddlers with grandmothers aged 50 to 75 had a higher chance of survival, particularly between the ages of 2 and 5. However, as children age, the impact of a grandmother’s presence diminishes due to her declining health. These findings suggest that human longevity has evolved beyond our reproductive years, but only to a certain extent. Grandmothers can significantly influence their grandchildren’s early years, which can contribute to extending human life beyond typical aging.
Regardless of their age, grandmas matter. While our need for hands-on help may lessen as our children grow, we can still turn to our mothers and grandmothers for wisdom and guidance. Their stories and experiences are invaluable, even if they sometimes come off as nagging. My grandmother, soon to be 82, continues to share her life lessons, and we listen intently, just as she did for me. Although we may live far apart, she keeps our family connected without the need for modern technology.
I understand that grandmothers won’t be around forever, but when we reach out, they will always show up for us and our children, just as they have for generations.
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Summary:
The Grandmother Hypothesis highlights the significant role grandmothers have played in human evolution, particularly in enhancing survival rates and their influence on the social capacities of their grandchildren. Research suggests that proximity to grandmothers can lead to larger family sizes and improved child outcomes. Despite the changing dynamics as children age, the wisdom and support from grandmothers remain invaluable.
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