Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Cognitive Decline

When was the last time you met up with at least one friend for lunch? Or a walk around the block? Or just a cup of coffee at your local coffee shop? Friendships make up a huge foundation of who we are. The relationships we develop throughout our life help shape who we are; our interests, our likes and dislikes, and guide us to grow into new phases of our life.

So, what happens to those relationships as we age? Well, the older we get the more friends and loved ones we see pass away. They move to other cities and states to live with their children or move to senior living communities for additional assistance and the ability to socialize with others.

As older adults see their social lives change, this creates the risk of increased social isolation and loneliness. A report published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease discusses how participation in social activities can help defend against cognitive decline, particularly for those living in long-term care communities.

A summary of the report can be found in an article featured in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News. To see the full report that was published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease along with another featured in The Gerontologist, please use the links listed below.

McKnight’s Long-Term Care News – Social Activity can Prevent Cognitive Decline in Some Nursing Home Residents

NIH National Library of Medicine – Social Activity and Cognitive Decline in Older Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities: A Cohort Study

The Gerontologist – “Relationships, Very Quickly, Turn to Nothing”: Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Adaptation to Changing Social Lives Among Persons Living With Dementia and Care Partners

If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s Care Services in Roswell GA please get in touch with the caring staff at CaraVita Home Care today. (770) 643-1712