How Social Engagement May Boost Brain Health Plus a Whole Lot More

Did you know that being socially active can help you have a healthier brain? It’s true! Research suggests that people who are socially engaged may have better brain health.

Social interaction is important at any age, but older adults can reap some surprising brain boosting benefits.

Research Suggests that Social Interaction is Good for Your Brain

Research published in the July 2021 issue of The Journals of Gerontology discussed the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study which included 293 participants with an average age of 83 years old. For more than a decade, researchers collected a wide variety of health data from the participants.

In the areas of social engagement, the participants who reported that they were socially active on a frequent and regular basis had increased gray matter in certain areas of the brain.

Doctors have long recommended social activities to their aging patients as a way to stay active and alert. This provides yet another reason to get out there.

Benefits of Being Socially Active

One of the most common benefits of social interaction is improved emotional health. Most people are aware of this. But did you know there are other benefits as well?

Humans are naturally social creatures so it stands to reason that we thrive when we interact with each other. In addition to supporting mental and brain health, scientists say that socializing may also help you:

• Have overall better health
• Stay cognitively sharper

Those are some great reasons to visit with a friend or two. It’s beneficial for you both!

How to Increase Your Social Activity

There are any number of ways to get socially engaged, it’s just a matter of finding what works best for you. Of course, you want your interactions to be in person – email, text, and social media are fun, but they don’t really have that person-to-person contact. If getting together face to face doesn’t work for you, a phone call may be a great alternative. You still get to talk to a live person on the other end of the line.

Try these ideas to make great social connections:

• Join a senior group or participate in activities at your local senior center.
• Make a date with a friend. Go for coffee, have lunch, or do something that you both enjoy.
• Schedule regular virtual visits with friends or family. You can have the live interaction even if you can’t be in the same room.
• Join a book club, gardening club, or take a class on a topic that interests you. It’s a great way to meet someone who enjoys the same things that you do.
• Volunteer somewhere that allows you to talk with people such as a hospital or museum.

Once you start looking for ways to get socially engaged, you will start finding great opportunities. So do your brain (and body) a favor and get social!

When you are taking steps to boost your health, don’t forget to add pharmacist recommended Prevagen daily supplement to your regimen. Your brain will thank you!