The Benefits of Socializing
Social engagement is thought to be a potential factor in promoting better cognition.
We all feel the need to have some “me time” now and then, but human beings thrive when we engage with others. Healthy social engagement is increasingly linked to a person’s overall general health and has specific benefits for brain health for both you and your loved one suffering from a memory loss disorder.
First, let’s learn about the positive impacts of social engagement, then let’s outline some ideas to help you maintain healthy connections to the people and community around you.
Here’s how social engagement can help keep you healthy:
Improves cognition:
A study of more than 66,000 people in Europe and Israel with an average age of 70, found that people with the highest levels of social connectedness and engagement had the highest scores on cognition tests, compared with people who had the lowest levels of social connectedness and engagement. An earlier study of 1,100 adults (average age of 80) found that people who were the most socially active had 70% less cognitive decline compared with those who had the lowest rates of social activities. While this doesn’t prove that social engagement protects cognition, it suggests engaging the brain promotes better cognition.
It is a Super Brain Builder:
Social engagement engages our brains more than many other activities. Think about when you last spoke with someone. In these interactions we engage all of our senses. We process facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, analyzing what’s being said and the emotions behind the words. We are deciding how to react using our facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. Sometimes when we’re social engagement, we’re in an environment where we are engaging our other senses such as taste, smell, and sound. Putting our brains to work like this strengthens the connections between brain cells and creates new connections.
May lower risk of dementia:
People who connect with others generally perform better on memory and other cognitive skills tests. And, in the long run, people with active social lives are less likely to develop dementia than those who are more socially isolated.
Boosts the immune system:
Social engagement has been known to be linked to a stronger immune system, particularly in older adults. This means having a better chance of fighting off colds, the flu, etc. and protecting your brain and body from the effects of illness.
Reduces stress:
Interactions with others provide a mood boost and can act as an “emotional regulator.” When someone you trust listens to you, you can feel your body calm down. Your blood pressure returns to baseline, and your levels of stress hormones decrease.
Socialize and Thrive!
Here are some activities that promote social engagement along with providing other benefits for you and your loved one. Keep in mind that depending upon your loved one’s abilities, you may need to adjust the game rules or ways you engage in these activities. It’s the social connections that matter, so plan ahead for success.
Card games
Board games.
Participate in religious or spiritual activities.
Invite friends or family over for coffee or tea.
Take a walk or do some chair exercises together.
Visit a local museum, library, or zoo.
Sign up for a class at your local recreation center, senior center, adult day center, or library.
Help babysit grandkids or loved one’s children.
Learn how to use Zoom or Facetime to video chat.
Schedule a time for friends or family to call on a regular basis.
Volunteer at a local food bank, thrift store or charity of your choice.
If you know any seniors who live alone, consider scheduling a standing time to meet or activity to share.
This content was made possible through the contributions of Kirsten DeAngelis, NAN Expert.
Source: Harvard Health Publishing “Get back your social life to boost thinking, memory and health” Oct 22, 2023 by Heide Godman, Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter
Source: “The Health Benefits of Social engagement” Angela K. Troyer, Ph.D., C.Psych. June 30,2016
