Surprising Ways Your Family Affects Your Health

Another study found grandparents active in their grandchildren's life experienced fewer symptoms of depression. In addition, once the grandchild reached adulthood, they shared the same mental health benefits. However, once the grandchildren reach adulthood, the relationship must be reciprocal, but not in the way most would assume. Rather than needing to received from the grandchildren, grandparents need to be able to give, contribute to, or help their grandchildren in some way in order to feel independent and benefit mentally. Those helped too often without being able to return the favor actually fared worse.