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Friends Protect Brain HealthStrong Social Networks Can Stave off DementiaWomen in their 70s and 80s who maintain strong social ties with family and friends reduce their risk of dementia, according to recent research.
A team of researchers at California-based Kaiser Permanente tracked the social lives and mental abilities of 2,249 senior women for five years. One in ten of the women who reported a strong social network suffered from dementia at the end of the study compared to nearly one in five (18%) of the women who had weaker social networks. The study was published in the June 17, 2008 issue of the American Journal of Public Health. The data from the Kaiser Permanente study echoes results of a larger study conducted by Harvard researchers, published in the same journal. The Harvard research team followed 16,000 men and women over age 50 for six years. The results showed a clear correlation between being socially active and involved and preserving memory and cognitive abilities. Protect Your MemoryThe Alzheimer’s Association has long recognized the relationship between social ties and dementia, including staying socially active as one of the top ten things people can do to maintain brain health. Being socially active challenges the brain in many ways, including learning new information and new activities. Playing games, being physically active and eating healthfully also rank high on the list of brain-health steps anyone can take. The growth of social media also offers people new opportunities to socialize. Older adults who might be homebound, have limited mobility or are separated from family and friends by geography can find new ways to connect online. Social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace are developing tools for seniors. Social networking sites allow users to post journal entries, photos, updates and hobby interests while helping to keep everyone in the social network in touch. Meanwhile, new social networking sites like Eons.com cater specifically to senior adults. In addition to the typical social networking tools such as blogs and chat rooms, Eons.com offers a longevity calculator to help people identify their risks. The site also offers a game room where participants can challenge themselves and their friends to brain stimulating fun. How to Make FriendsAn unfortunate fact is that as people age they lose some of their friends and loved ones and are challenged with making new friends. Although the data shows that social networks are good for both men and women, different genders may find it easier to make friends in different ways. Men tend to prefer activities where they can be helpful. They are more likely to join Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels, building friendships as they serve other people. Or men might find a place teaching computer or digital photography courses at the senior center. Women on the other hand may find a home in more socially oriented activities, such as water aerobics or yoga classes, or women’s groups at churches and community centers. Yet regardless of how friendships are made – in-person or on-line, building a home or visiting with the ladies' club – the warmth and fun of companionship are also life preserving.
The copyright of the article Friends Protect Brain Health in Seniors' Health/Medicare is owned by Madeline Vann. Permission to republish Friends Protect Brain Health in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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