Social activities linked to improved cognitive health in older adults

New research involving data from five nationally representative surveys across 24 countries suggests that social engagement may support cognitive health in older adults. The study found that individuals participating in three or more social activities, such as volunteering or joining sports clubs, demonstrated higher cognitive z-scores, which indicate better memory and executive function.

The findings align with the “use it or lose it” hypothesis, suggesting that stimulating activities may help maintain cognitive function during aging. While social isolation is a recognized risk factor for dementia, researchers noted that previous findings regarding the specific link between social activity and cognitive decline have been inconsistent. The study highlights that while it cannot confirm if social inactivity directly causes decline, there is a clear correlation between a variety of social engagements and higher cognitive scores.