A new study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia found that older adults who maintain active social lives develop dementia approximately 5 years later than their less social peers. Researchers from Rush University Medical Center followed 1,923 seniors and discovered that simple activities like dining out, playing bingo, or visiting friends were associated with a 38% lower risk of developing dementia.
The study showed that the most socially active participants developed dementia around age 92, while the least social group showed signs around age 87. This delay in onset could save around $500,000 in healthcare costs per person and add about 3 years to life expectancy for those who would otherwise develop dementia.
According to Bryan James, PhD, associate professor of internal medicine at Rush University Medical Center, “Social activity is related to less cognitive decline in older adults.” The research team found that each increase in social activity was linked to a 38% lower chance of developing dementia.
The study’s findings suggest that communities might benefit from creating more opportunities for older adults to engage socially, whether through organized activities, volunteer programs, or regular social gatherings. By incorporating simple social activities into daily life, older adults may be able to delay the onset of dementia and enjoy a longer, healthier life.
Key takeaways from the study include:
* More frequent social activity was linked to both delayed onset and lower risk of cognitive decline
* Simple activities like dining out or playing bingo were associated with a 38% lower risk of developing dementia
* The most socially active participants developed dementia around age 92, while the least social group showed signs around age 87
* Delaying dementia onset by five years could save around $500,000 in healthcare costs per person and add about 3 years to life expectancy
Source: https://studyfinds.org/social-seniors-five-years-dementia