Grandparents key to healthier young

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."