People vary in the degree to which they seek out the company of other people, but we all share the instinctive need to interact with others. A wealth of evidence shows that positive relationships and shared activities contribute to our wellbeing. Conversely, loneliness and social isolation increase health risks in older people. Various life events, such as retirement, bereavement, family moving out, can reduce social networks and make it harder to stay active socially.
Research suggests that having close ties to friends and family, and participating in meaningful social activities, may help people maintain their thinking skills better in later life and slow down cognitive decline. People who are socially engaged seem to have a lower risk of dementia, but the evidence is not yet strong enough to draw firm conclusions. Equally social interaction is good for mental health and reducing or minimising depressive feelings.
The evidence has limitations because of the difficulties of designing studies on the effect of social engagement on brain health in people, but it indicates that the numbers of social connections, and the type, quality and purpose of relationships, can affect brain function. So it seems that better social engagement is good for brain health. There is also evidence that loneliness increases the risk of loss of thinking skills in older people.
Overall, social engagement is recommended for people as they age because, even though the evidence on its impact on brain health is limited for now, there is good evidence of other benefits of social interactions for wellbeing and quality of life.
Our compassionate companions are on hand to help with this, with just a simple visit, cup of tea and some conversation. Maybe even some cake too! Or we can even support with visits to see other less mobile friends or family to help you stay connected with those special to you.
