The Importance of Social Interaction
for Healthy Aging
By Luciana Mitzkun Cramer
Family Services Director, Friendship Center
We humans are inherently social creatures, so it's no surprise that social activity helps keep us physically and mentally healthy as we age.
The importance of social interaction has been well-documented in multiple studies throughout the world-linked to reduced risk for cardiovascular problems, some cancers, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been shown to lower occurrence of mental health issues such as depression and to slow the progress of memory loss.
People involved in regular social activities are up to 50% less likely to demonstrate cognitive decline than those who are lonely or isolated. And University of Michigan researchers found that even 10 minutes of daily social interaction can improve cognitive performance!
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