Tips to stay socially connected and protect your cognitive health
I went to a street fair with my daughter recently where she rode around on her scooter with a friend of hers that she is referring to as “her husband.” It’s cute at this age and makes me happy to see that she is developing strong friendships. It was a great chance to be outside on a sunny spring day with her friend’s family and others in the community. This event provides an example of some critical components of optimal health and longevity – activity, being outdoors and connection.
It’s crucial to address not just the physical aspects of our well-being but also the emotional and social dimensions. Today, I want to focus on a significant factor impacting cognitive health: loneliness.
Recent studies, including one highlighted by The New York Times, reveal a compelling connection between loneliness and cognitive decline, including conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The article cites Dr. Donovan, director of the division of geriatric psychiatry at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, as showing that “people who score higher on a measure of loneliness have higher levels of the proteins amyloid and tau — two of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease — in their brains even before they show signs of cognitive decline.”
Loneliness isn’t just an emotional experience — it has profound physiological effects on the brain. Chronic loneliness can lead to increased inflammation, reduced immune function, and even changes in brain structure, which may accelerate cognitive deterioration.
With transient loneliness, the brain has the “ability to recover,” Dr. Qiu said. But if people “don’t have help to pull them out of the loneliness, and for a long time they feel lonely, it will be toxic for the brain.”
Loneliness can be particularly detrimental for older adults, who may already be at risk for cognitive decline. According to the CDC, social isolation and loneliness are linked to a 50% increased risk of dementia, making it essential to foster strong social networks and community connections .
At Marama, we understand the critical role that community plays in maintaining cognitive health. Our residents practice yoga, go for walks, garden, attend book clubs, and take field trips to places like the Zoo or botanical gardens as a group. They also maintain a strong connection with their families while they are here as noted in one of our personalized resident updates “…it has been so lovely hearing her mention family as she does crafts or as we garden. There is no doubt she has a deep connection with family and it motivates her throughout her days.”
Consider the Blue Zones, regions of the world where people live significantly longer and healthier lives. One common factor among these areas is robust community support systems. For instance, in Okinawa, Japan, older adults form “moais”—social support groups that provide lifelong mutual support and a sense of belonging. Similarly, in Sardinia, Italy, strong family ties and frequent social interactions are key to their residents’ longevity .
Here are some practical tips to stay connected and combat loneliness:
🫂 Engage in Community Activities: Participate in group activities or events to foster connections and friendships.
☎️ Regular Check-ins: Make it a habit to regularly check in with friends, family, or neighbors, even if it’s just a quick phone call.
📖 Join Interest Groups: Find groups that align with your hobbies or interests. This could be a book club, gardening group, or exercise class.
💝 Volunteer: Giving back to others can create a sense of purpose and build meaningful connections.
💻 Utilize Technology: Use video calls and social media to stay connected with loved ones who are far away.
By embedding ourselves in a supportive community, we not only enrich our lives but also protect our cognitive health. I am committed to providing a nurturing environment where every individual can thrive. Let’s continue to build these meaningful connections together.
Warmly,
Dr. Heather Sandison
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