Diverse and sustained social activities may boost cognition in older age

A large international study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health suggests that participating in diverse and consistent social activities may help maintain cognitive function among older adults. The research, which analyzed pooled data from five nationally representative surveys across 24 countries, found that engaging in at least three social activities was linked to higher cognitive performance.

Volunteering and joining sports clubs were particularly effective in reducing the risk of cognitive decline. The study, involving 57,793 participants aged 57 to 73, tracked cognitive performance over an average of six years. Interestingly, the protective effects were stronger in women, older adults, those with higher education levels, those not experiencing depression, those living alone, those of normal weight, rural residents, and smokers or light drinkers.

While the study cannot establish cause and effect, it highlights the potential benefits of social engagement for cognitive health, suggesting that targeted interventions promoting varied and sustained social activities could help mitigate age-related cognitive decline.