Many people are surprised to learn that social isolation accounts for 5% of dementia cases in the world, and even more shocked that it increases your personal risk of dementia by 30 to 80%! (read the full report here).

While it’s easy to simply say “stay social,” integrating meaningful social activities into your life requires us to know how, not just what to do.

This article walks you through the steps to social connection for dementia prevention.

How does social connection prevent dementia?

Research has shown that social engagement is crucial in maintaining brain health and can help prevent dementia.

Regular social interaction can:

• Stimulate the brain, which helps keep your neurons active and firing

• Strengthen neural connections and promote neuroplasticity

• Reduce the risk of stress, depression and anxiety.

• Boost emotional well-being and,

• Encourage lifelong learning (another key to dementia prevention).

You can quickly see that an active social life can help you target a number of other dementia prevention targets in one fell swoop, including depression, anxiety, lifelong learning, and even exercise if you combine it with an activity.

Ideas for your social life

There are various ways to stay socially active. The key is to find something that instantly sounds like fun to you, so you’re more likely to follow through.

We talk about this idea of doing what you love in this article.

Here are some social ideas to consider:

Join Clubs

• Examples: Book clubs, hobby groups, exercise classes, travel clubs

• Benefits: regular meetings with like-minded people can provide structure and form new friendships that last a lifetime.

Volunteer

• Examples: Community centers, hospitals, schools, local charities.

• Benefits: Volunteering offers a sense of purpose and opportunities to meet new people.

Connect with Old Friends

• Examples: start up regular phone calls, video chats, family gatherings, meet-ups with friends.

• Benefits: Maintaining strong personal relationships can create a shared sense of life, meaning, and the joy of reminiscing about old memories.

Community Events

• Examples: Local fairs, festivals, neighbourhood meetings, cultural events.

• Benefits: Engaging with your community can expand your social circle and connect you to something bigger than yourself.

Lifelong Learning

• Examples: Adult education classes, online courses, workshops, lectures.

• Benefits: Learning new things keeps your mind active and introduces you to new social circles.

Building your plan

Building a social plan tailored to your interests and lifestyle can make staying connected easier and more enjoyable.

Here’s a helpful list to walk through:

1. Assess Your Interests and Comfort Level:

• Consider what activities you enjoy and feel comfortable participating in.

• Think about whether you prefer one-on-one interactions or group activities.

2. Set Realistic Goals:

• Start with small, achievable goals, such as attending one social event per week or calling a friend twice a week.

3. Schedule Regular Activities:

• Incorporate social activities into your weekly routine to ensure consistency.

• Use a calendar or planner to keep track of events and commitments.

Overcome barriers

Sometimes we encounter challenges when getting started with a new plan.

Here are a few common ones to think about when it comes to social activities, and some easy solutions.

1. Transportation:

• If transportation is an issue, explore public transit options, carpooling with friends, or community shuttle services.

• Ask your doctor if there are any services available through government programs, such as “DARTS” in Ontario.

2. Health Concerns:

• If health issues limit your ability to participate in activities, consider online groups, video calls, or activities that accommodate your needs.

• Sometimes moving to a retirement home is a great source of not only physical help, but social activity as well!

3. Shyness or Anxiety:

• Start with smaller, less intimidating gatherings and gradually build up to larger events.

• Consider joining a group focused on a shared interest to make interactions easier.

In Closing…

• Maintaining social connections is vital for brain health and overall well-being.

• By understanding the importance of social engagement and creating a personalized plan, you can enjoy the benefits of staying connected.

• Here’s to building meaningful relationships and protecting your mind, body, and spirit!

Disclaimer: The content on Aldora Health is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. For more read our Terms of Use.