(Reuters Health) - A small Australian study finds that grandmothers who take care of their grandchildren one day a week do better on cognitive tests than peers who mind grandkids more often, or not at all.
Researchers say the brain benefits from this form of "grandparenting" may come not just from having social engagement, but "active" engagement in those relationships.
"The key point here is they found that the socialization part was important primarily when it was associated with some kind of useful function," said Dr. William J. Hall, a geriatrician who was not involved in the study.
