Let The Grandparents Watch The Kids

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - When nervous parents ask about the grandparents watching their children I often point to a Johns Hopkins study done four years ago which found that grandparents watching children actually reduces the incidence of injury by 50% or more.

The reason I like this is many people have a feeling that older people might be less vigilant or unable to provide quality care, but the important issue here is the experience of raising children combined with a genuine interest in the children as a positive factor.

The other reason I like this study is it reinforces the idea that people can have a continued value. One of the biggest problems that leaks into health difficulties in the elderly is a feeling of worthlessness.

This report serves as an example that seniors can make a major contribution.