Sponsored by
Grandparents key to healthier young
England's grandparents could prove a major asset in improving child health.
Sir Liam Donaldson said they were living longer and spending more time with grandchildren but were usually overlooked in discussions about building healthy childhoods.
Surveys showed almost 61 per cent visited their grandchildren weekly and 92 per cent found the experience rewarding.
They undertook a wide range of activities with grandchildren but few focussed on health despite the benefits for both.
Studies showed that for many, the relationship remained strong and influential into adolescence. Adolescents had better emotional health and were better adjusted in involved with grandparents.
He said: "Childhood is a vital time for health. Grandparents are a great asset in a child's development.
"When policy on children's health is being developed the role of grandparents should form part of the thinking.
"Developing the role of grandparents as educators and mentors of their grandchildren's health could add an important new dimension, as well as benefiting their own health."
Email to a friend
Print this page- Three-inch blanket of snow heading our way today
- Alan Shearer in list of favourites for Leeds and England jobs: Latest odds
- Barnsley’s Keith Hill invokes Fawlty Towers over link with Leeds job
- McCormack feels United search can be narrowed down
- Redfearn throws down gauntlet as queue builds at Elland Road
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
