We’re all getting older every day, fortunately there are things we can do to help keep our bodies and minds in good shape as we age, like getting regular exercise and eating a good diet. But if you found out that there was one activity you could do to help delay dementia by five years, and lower its overall risk by 38%, would you do it? A new study is giving us that chance by revealing the one thing that could do all that.
Researchers from Rush University Medical Center have found a simple way for the elderly to ward off dementia and it’s something most of us enjoy - staying socially active. That can take many forms, whether it’s going out to eat with friends, attending religious services, or just meeting up for a walk or a game of cards, the idea is to stay connected.
- For the study, researchers followed more than 19-hundred older adults who didn’t have dementia, checking in with them every year to monitor their social activity and cognitive health.
- Over seven years, 545 participants developed dementia, while 695 showed signs of mild cognitive decline.
- After factoring in things like age, education and marital status, study authors found that more frequent social activity is linked to a 38% lower chance of developing dementia and a 21% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment.
So, why does staying connected with your friends during your golden years make such a difference to cognitive health? Researchers still aren’t entirely sure, but one theory is that social activity challenges older adults to engage in complex social interactions. Basically, socializing keeps the brain sharp and more resilient to changes as we age. The study finds that avoiding dementia for those five extra years could save around $500-thousand in medical costs per person, as well as potentially add three years to the life expectancy of those who delay developing dementia.
Source: NY Post