Key Takeaways
- Understand the link between social activity and cognitive health.
- Learn actionable strategies to integrate more social interaction into daily life.
- Explore scientific insights and expert tips to boost brain health through meaningful connections.
Why Social Interaction is Important to Humans and Crucial for Cognitive Health
A large-scale study in England including over 800 individuals with dementia living in 69 different facilities was released and offers insight into a simple way to improve care for those living with dementia. One hour per week of social interaction was shown to improve their quality of life–in the context of personalized care. They found that in some places, individuals living with dementia engaged in only two minutes per week of social interaction. There are cognitive benefits to spending time engaging with people, from discussing interests to making decisions regarding their own care whenever possible.
Key Cognitive Benefits of Social Activity
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Improved Memory and Cognitive Function
Studies show that socially engaging and enjoying leisure activities in a social setting may delay the decline of cognitive function and improve memory overall. One study showed memory improvement in adults in their 60s and 70s who engaged in regular volunteer work.
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Reduced Risk of Cognitive Decline
Even engaging in small talk with those around them can reduce the risk of cognitive decline in senior adults. These conversations utilize the prefrontal cortex of the brain, and this “exercise” can help maintain cognitive abilities.
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Enhanced Problem-Solving and Creativity
Regular engagement with others requires us to remember details and recall them. In talking through issues with others, we may enhance our problem-solving and creative abilities.
How Does Social Health Influence and Affect Cognitive Health?
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Combating Loneliness and Depression
According to Harvard Health Publishing, loneliness is tied to an increased risk of dementia. Regular, positive social interactions may decrease feelings of loneliness in an individual's life. Friendly interactions with familiar people also help to combat feelings of depression, which are common in individuals of all ages. Depression at any point in life is associated with the development of dementia.
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Stress Reduction through Positive Interactions
Positive social interactions are beneficial to anyone’s stress levels, and that includes individuals living with cognitive decline. The previously mentioned English study showed that an hour of socialization each week decreased agitation in the populations living in the senior centers included in the study.
Practical Ways to Boost Social Interaction
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Join Clubs or Community Groups
Most communities have social clubs or community groups that meet regularly. Social activities could include gathering with a church group, playing bingo, attending knitting circles or other craft groups, etc. It can require some work to find a group that is the right fit, but it is usually possible and worthwhile.
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Regular Family and Friend Gatherings
When one is fortunate enough to live near extended family or a have close friend group, connecting with them on a regular basis can provide much-needed social interaction without needing to even search for a group or go out of the way to meet new people.
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Embrace Technology for Connection
Face-to-face connection is always preferred, but when that just isn’t an option, taking time to talk on the phone or over video chat is better than not interacting at all! The average senior may need some help learning to use newer technology, but that can be overcome!
Scientific Insights on Socialization and Brain Health
Social connections are scientifically proven to enhance cognitive health. Research consistently demonstrates the positive impact of maintaining strong interpersonal relationships on our overall well-being.
- As we age, socialization and engaging in leisure activities improves cognitive function.
- Social interactions, including small talk, engage our brains and help maintain and build neuroplasticity.
- A large-scale study of over 60,000 people showed that those with the highest level of social connectedness scored the highest on cognition tests. Another study followed 1,100 individuals around age 80 for 5 years. The research showed that the most socially active participants showed 70% less cognitive decline compared to those with minimal social engagement
Overcoming Barriers to Staying Social
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Physical and Mobility Challenges
When mobility is limited, it can be challenging to plan social interactions. Inviting someone to visit in-home eliminates the struggle of needing to get out of the house. Having a caregiver to help with getting around can make all the difference!
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Building Confidence in Social Settings
Sometimes those struggling with cognitive decline are aware of their memory loss and feel nervous in social settings. Building familiarity with the same location and people by participating in regular activities can build confidence. Being accompanied by a familiar person who feels safe can also be a big help.
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Time Constraints
Busy lifestyles can often limit social interactions. . It is helpful to remember that even a small time investment of an hour per week can make a significant difference in the cognitive health of an individual.
FAQs About Social Activity and Cognitive Health
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How does socializing improve cognitive function?
Socializing improves cognitive function by engaging and exercising parts of the brain that may not otherwise be utilized in isolation.
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What are examples of social activities beneficial for brain health?
Any social activity can be beneficial for brain health. Consider crafting circles, art classes, or sporting groups, as physical health allows.
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Is it ever too late to start being socially active for cognitive benefits?
No! It is always better to start being intentional with social activity than to maintain an isolated lifestyle.
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How can introverts maintain good cognitive health through socialization?
Introverts may enjoy socialization by interacting with their close friends and family, or in smaller groups, instead of larger gatherings.
Promoting Cognitive Wellness Through Social Engagement
Research confirms what we all intuitively know: social interaction and relationship building are crucial for maintaining cognitive function. We live in a fast-paced world. People have busy, full lives. Planning these interactions often requires some intentionality, but it can be done. For guidance on enhancing social activity, contact the dementia care experts at Senior Helpers!