Social Interaction and the Brain

Why People Need People For Brain Health There is a lot of good information coming out these days about things good for the brain. However, one that is often overlooked, yet most powerful and relevant for this time of year, is social interaction – talking with other people.

Human beings are social creatures, and those who don’t think they need others too often find their mental and verbal abilities deteriorating long before their peers. On the other hand those who stay involved with others not only have more to remember, but they tend to remember more.

A recent study at the Center on Aging and Health at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health found that low social activity is associated with increased risk for Alzheimer’s, and that mid-life and late-life social engagement is more strongly associated with better cognitive and physical health than isolated mental exercises like crossword puzzles. The activities found to be most helpful included home and family activities, visiting with friends and relatives, club activities (such as attending parties and playing card games), and home hobbies.

Several months ago I met with a group in Coleville, Utah to talk about brain health and memory issues. At that time they told me of an elderly woman in their community who has become somewhat of a recluse. She stayed at home most of the time, often with the curtains drawn. When neighbors did manage to get in to see her they found that she was losing her vocabulary, and dementia was definitely setting in. It was not long, however, before her family rescued her from that situation, and took her to live with them, where they re-involved her in family and community activities. The following year she returned to Coleville, but the change they noted was remarkable. She had opened up, regained her vocabulary and was again much more engaging and “with it.”

In this situation more family interaction was helpful. However, others have found they get even more interaction at Senior Centers, Assisted Living or senior retirement communities.

Often when people begin to develop memory problems they are inclined to withdraw, to avoid the embarrassment of not being able to remember a name or find the right word, but unfortunately that is the exact opposite of what they really need. Like the woman in Coleville, if we can help them to get out of the house, or at least go in and visit with them more often, they might find their memory improving.

For optimal benefit research from Stockholm Sweden suggests optimal benefit can be gained from activities that combine mental or physical exercise along with social interaction. For example joining a bowling league, invite friends over for a game of cards, chess, checkers or some other mentally stimulating games. And the best of these is dancing, as it’s both a physical and social activity.

If you sense that you are not getting the amount of social interaction that you need to maintain your verbal or other cognitive abilities, here are a few other things to consider.

• Don’t wait for others to come and visit you, visit them.
• If you can’t get out, use the telephone, call a friend or shut-in. Chances are they need and would appreciate the interaction as much or more than you.
• Invite others to go with you to your local Senior Center. They have great activities there. And if you don’t have transportation they will pick you up and bring you.
• Volunteer for your church or club, or some other social or charitable organization. Elementary schools are begging for senior volunteers to read to young children, just give them a call.
• For optimal benefit seek out activities that combine mental or physical exercise along with social interaction. It will make a difference.

Anytime is a great time of year to reach out to others, and as you do so, not only will your life be enriched, but your brain will also thank you for keeping it healthy.

— David R. Larsen, MFHD