Social Engagement
Social opportunities for older people are as varied as they are for younger people. Social groups that are more complex in nature return the most benefit for cognitive health, but the most important factor is individual enjoyment. 30,31
Examples of social groups that are varied in scope include:
Passive Social Groups
- Lecture programs from the library and area museums
- Music appreciation
- Group participation for luncheons or outings
Active Social Engagement Groups
- Card playing groups
- Cooking classes
- Art classes
- Chorus groups
- Gardening Groups/Herbal Society
Complex Social Engagement Groups
- Book discussion groups
- Mentor membership
Social engagement throughout life is a lifestyle factor that enhances memory, focus, and cognitive vitality. Lack of social engagement in later life may contribute to memory loss. 32
- Limited social contact demonstrates a 60% increased risk of dementia. 33
Contributing factors that limit social engagement and effect memory are
- depression,
- limited mental stimulation, and
- sensory integration problems due to poor eye sight or hearing
Lack of social engagement or isolation may be an indication of dementia. 34,35
Social engagement reduces memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or Parkinson’s disease regardless of present cognitive impairment.
- People engaged with large social network demonstrate the most benefit.
- The size of the social network directly relate to increases in cognitive function in relationship to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. 36,37
- Evidence show that the greatest benefit was found in the area of memory:
language (naming skills) and
short-term memory (visual and auditory)