We Are People People
“Poor social connections, infrequent participation in social activities, and social disengagement predict the risk of cognitive decline in elderly individuals.” Read the full article here.
Being a hermit is hazardous to your health!
Humans are social animals and part of our wiring is set up to engage with other humans. Call me crazy, but it just makes complete sense that we should interact with others, especially as we get older.
In fact, “social interaction” is a key factor that increases your chances of having a healthy brain. Some measures of “social interaction” include how often you talk on the phone with friends, neighbors and relatives, how often you get together with them, how many people you can share private feelings and concerns with … etc.
In one study, a U.S. team found that talking to another person for just 10 minutes a day — 10 minutes a day!! — improved memory and test scores. Engaging with other people was just as effective as more traditional kinds of mental exercise in boosting memory and intellectual performance.
And the more social interaction you have, the better your improvements the cognitive functioning.
No one really knows why in the world being a social animal may have a protective effect on the brain (it’s also associated with lower blood pressure and longer life expectancies). Regardless, the effect is strong and we should all take note and “mix and mingle to the jingling beat”, get to know your neighbors, your family, and your co-workers.
About The Author
