Social Interactions May Prevent Cognitive Decline

September 21st, 2009 → 1:17 am @ andre // No Comments

In many ways, the rising popularity of the internet and other communication technology is a great boon to the human species. Yet it comes with some nasty side-effects, one of which is declining amount of  social interactions. This is unfortunate at best because studies have shown social interactions is crucial for a healthy brain.

For example, a study involving more than 116,000 participants found that people with strong relationships had less mental decline and lived more active, pain-free lives without physical limitations. Other benefits of social interactions include, but not limited to, decreased probability of developing dementia, increased probability of staying independent in old age, decreased stress and maintaining mental sharpness.

This is because our brains are capable of neurogenesis, a process in which it grows new brain cells and thus reviving mental functions. But neurogenesis is possible only when you challenge your brain – either by learning something new, going through novel experiences… and interacting with other people.

“There’s a lot of evidence that other people are the most unpredictable things you can encounter. So activities that have you engaging with other human beings are a fantastic form of brain exercise.” – Lawrence Katz, author of “Keep Your Brain Alive“

Living an isolated life, on the other hand, encourages increased aging because boredom is a major driver of stress. And when you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that increases heart rate, increases blood pressure and kills brain cells. Obviously, you don’t want that, especially considering that brain cells naturally die and synapses natural break down as you age.

How To Stay Socially Connected

Studies have shown that older people tend to live a more solitary life. As families move out and friend pass/move away, they tend to lose the will to create new relationships – thus creating a vicious cycle of mental decline. To prevent that from happening, here’s what I suggest you do:

1. Join a class and learn a new form of art. Not only will you have the opportunity to make new friends, learning how to play a musical instrument and/or learning how to dance is a great way to challenge your brain. In fact, some studies showed that listening to music improves brain functions and exercises keep your happy and your brain healthy.
2. Volunteer for a cause that you believe in. Some studies show that people who volunteer appears to live a happier, more fulfilled life than those who live for themselves.
3. With the internet, there’s no reason why anyone couldn’t find people with similar interests. Find these people and start doing things you like together.
4. If you don’t want to do any of the above, then at least get a pet. Owning pets have been shown to greatly benefit the owner’s health. Some of the benefits include stable blood pressure, decreased allergy risks, lower stress and of course, it’s a great substitute for social interactions.