Dr. Nikky Contractor is the Global R&D of Nutrition at Amway and holds a PhD in Immunology from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Biology from Drew University.

As the back-to-school season approaches, families across the country prepare for the excitement and routine that comes with a new academic year.  However, when children and young adults go back to school re-connecting with old friends and meeting new ones, the risk of exposure to illness goes up.  Historical data shows that flu cases rise seasonally, peaking from December through February.  While vaccines offer essential protection, building healthy daily habits can further reduce risks and support the well-being of everyone in the family.

In multigenerational households, this means that everyone in the house, regardless of whether you are going to school or not, is at risk of getting sick. Therefore, these households have a unique need to maintain the health and wellness of each individual to foster the well-being of the whole family.

Grandparents play a crucial role in fostering healthy habits that can protect their loved ones during this time.  Not surprisingly, these health habits can help the whole family improve their health and their healthspan, or the time during which they live free from chronic illness.

Balancing Support and Safety for Grandparents

Grandparents can be household anchors, providing supervision, wisdom and guidance for their grandchildren.  As grandchildren return to school, grandparents in multigenerational households often step in to help manage family activities, including school pick-ups, meal preparation and providing emotional support.  

While this support is a boon to busy working parents, it does put the grandparents at greater risk of exposure to illnesses that they may be more susceptible to; particularly because our immune systems become less efficient at fighting infections as we age.  According to a 2018 study, more than half of adults have at least one chronic condition, further heightening the risk.  By adopting and promoting healthy habits, grandparents play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of all family members, making the back-to-school season smoother and more enjoyable. This also ensures that these habits are carried throughout the year, through respiratory season and beyond.

Equip Your Immune System Ahead of Time

The optimal function of your immune system is closely tied to overall body health.  A healthy body is a key component in the journey towards overall health and well-being.  In addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise, there are certain supplements that we can take to help support a healthy immune system, such as Vitamins C, D and zinc as well as probiotics that have been clinically studied for their ability to support the immune system during cold & flu season.  Immunity boosters such as echinacea and elderberry can also be used.

Using essentials like hand sanitizers used appropriately, as well as saline nasal sprays and eye drops can reduce exposure to germs and protect mucous membranes, further supporting immune health.

Taking steps to strengthen your immune system ahead of cold season is an important way to help mitigate the risk of illnesses.

How Grandparents Can Promote Healthy Habits

In multigenerational households, grandparents serve as role models not only for their children but also for their grandchildren.  They can help encourage family members to stay active by engaging in physical activities together. Family walks around the neighborhood, bike rides or living room yoga sessions are great ways to promote health and spend valuable time bonding together.

Nutrition is essential to health and well-being. A balanced diet rich in proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help protect everyone against illnesses that come with the back-to-school season.  Grandparents can promote good nutrition by involving the whole family in meal planning and cooking together. This is a great opportunity to pass down their culinary knowledge and strengthen bonds by sharing recipes that have been enjoyed for generations.  By encouraging family meals that include a variety of nutritious foods, grandparents can ensure everyone in the family receives the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

The back-to-school season can also be a stressful time for families, but spending quality time together during this period can help reduce stress and enhance emotional well-being.  Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition and quality time to diminish stress can support immune function as well as longevity and healthspan. This can ensure that grandparents remain active and involved in their family’s lives for years to come.

Consistency is Key

Being consistent with healthy habits is foundational to maintaining overall health and serves as the building blocks for a longer healthspan. This is especially true when it comes to routines for sleep, mealtimes and hygiene.

Consistent sleep schedules are essential for immune system support. Grandparents can reinforce this by encouraging early bedtimes and calming bedtime rituals like reading together.

Routines have long been known to benefit families. Encouraging the family to follow a daily schedule can help prevent chaos and maintain a sense of order and calm.

As familial leaders, grandparents can help create a structured environment that supports the health and well-being of the entire household.

Generational Health and Well-being

Prioritizing healthy habits is crucial for the well-being of all generations, especially during the hectic back-to-school season. Grandparents can play a significant role in fostering these habits and creating a supportive environment.

By focusing on health and wellness, grandparents help ensure a smoother back-to-school transition, laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits and strong family connections.

When grandparents promote health and wellness, they are not only enhancing their own well-being but also laying the groundwork for a longer, healthier life. This ultimately strengthens the family’s multigenerational bonds and sets everyone on course for achieving optimal health and increasing their healthspan.

Nikky Contractor, PhD, Global R&D Leader, Amway

Dr. Nikky Contractor is a distinguished scientist and leader in the field of nutrition, health and wellness, holding a PhD in Immunology from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Biology from Drew University. With a robust background in immunology and experience in maternal, infant and child nutrition, Nikky has dedicated her career to exploring the intricate relationship between nutrition and the mucosal immune system. 

Throughout her career, Nikky has successfully led teams in the research and development of products that address a wide range of health and wellness needs. Her expertise spans crucial areas such as gut health, cognitive health, cardiovascular health, immunity and metabolism. Known for her ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible information for general audiences, Nikky is passionate about leveraging sound science and collaborative efforts to create products and services that significantly enhance people's daily lives. 

Nikky's commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship has consistently driven her to pioneer solutions that support nutritional requirements and promote overall health and well-being. Her work not only reflects her deep scientific knowledge but also her dedication to making a tangible impact on public health through evidence-based approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration.