One more reason to live the cycle of old age in good health
It doesn’t matter how well a subject is with his or her health, i.e. surveys and surveys serve to guide a balanced life. In this sense, the recent study by UNSW (University of New South Wales), in Sydney, Australia, cites social interaction to reduce the risk of dementia and increase longevity.
The impact of social interaction to mitigate dementia risk and increase longevity
The team of researchers investigated the link between social connections in the elderly and the risk of MCI (mild cognitive impairment), dementia and mortality. The scholars then collected the results of 13 international studies, the analyzes of which monitored people aged 65 and over for long periods.
The researchers also obtained results from studies in low-, middle-, and high-income countries around the world, such as Australia, North America and Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. The study population is more diverse than in previous meta-analyses, based primarily in Europe and North America.
Next, the researchers collected information about the social connections of the study participants, who were interested in the type of social connection, such as: married, involved in a community group, and relationship satisfaction level.
Finally, the researchers looked at whether participants developed MCI, dementia or died in half of the studies. There was also control for other variables that could influence these results: age, gender, education level, lifestyle factors, and other chronic diseases.
The comments and developments of this study
“We know from previous research that social connections are important to our health, and isolation puts us at greater risk for dementia and death. Our goal was to find out which social connections protect us from dementia and death,” said the first author, dr. Suraj Samtani, clinical psychologist and researcher at CHeBA.
“We’ve found that frequent interactions — monthly or weekly — with family and friends and having someone to talk to reduce the risk of getting dementia. We’ve also found that living with other people and engaging in community activities reduces the risk of death.” added Dr. Samtani.
CHeBA researchers are now studying interventions that improve older people’s social connections to protect the brain and overall health. Suraj was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship by the Dementia Australia Research Foundation to test a social cognition intervention for older adults with memory impairment. This research was published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
Advice for an elderly person to stay healthy
“Try to meet friends and family at least once a month, participate in community activities like volunteering or the Rotary Club, and open your heart to someone when you’re feeling stressed. Living with other people, such as in an intergenerational family, is also helpful “, suggested Dr. Samtani.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
