Staying Social in Old Age May Delay Dementia by Five Years

New research links frequent social activity to a 38% lower risk of dementia and significant healthcare savings.

A study from Rush University Medical Center found that socially active seniors developed dementia five years later than less social peers, on average.
Frequent social activities, such as dining out, playing bingo, or attending religious services, were associated with a 38% lower dementia risk and a 21% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment.
Researchers followed 1,923 dementia-free older adults over nearly seven years, measuring their social activity and cognitive health annually.
Delaying dementia onset by five years could save approximately $500,000 in healthcare costs per person and add three years to life expectancy for those at risk.
The study highlights the potential of community-level interventions to promote social engagement as a strategy for improving brain health in aging populations.