Grandchildren are a blessing, but it turns out that not only are they cute, they’re also beneficial to their grandparents. Recent studies show that grandmothers who babysit their grandkids once a week scored higher on cognitive tests than those who didn’t.

But like anything, moderation is key. The same study showed that grandparents who babysit five or more days per week score lower on the same tests than the ones who only watched their grandchildren once a week.

The women who watched their grandchildren one day per week scored the highest. In addition, the social interaction that occurs between grandparents and grandchildren is a key component to a healthy lifestyle for seniors.

The National Institute on Aging says that there is a strong correlation between social interaction and health in older adults, plus watching grandchildren will help grandparents be more active.

Research has shown that loneliness and social isolation are bigger risks to a seniors health than smoking or obesity. The laughter that comes with the social interaction is a powerful antidote to declining health.

Laughter has been shown to boost immunity, stimulate blood flow and mental activity, and lower blood pressure. Sounds like all those giggles you have with your grandkids is more than just fun for you.

So what are you waiting for? If you have a young grandchild, now you have the perfect excuse to spend some time with them. It will also give your daughter or son a bit of a break making it a win win situation for everyone.

To learn more about how caring for your grandkids can benefit your health, check out the video below and be sure to share it with your family and friends.