By Lynn Kellogg
An out-of-town friend recently came to visit for a couple days. Widowed just a few months ago after 50 years, we talked about the inexplicable sense of “forever gone”, a very quiet house, and finding the freedom and energy to move on.
Her adult children and grandchildren stay in regular touch; some neighbors and old college friends reach out for periodic lunches or chats. She enjoys them all.
But then she said while she knew she could now do things, she was starting to feel it was easier just to stay home, often responding to suggestions of activities with “I’ll think about it”, meaning “no”.
Buried in this conversation and throughout the visit was the occasional, “now where did I put my glasses” or “now where was I going with that thought”? Short term memory loss or going off on a tangent and losing one’s original train of thought can be a natural part of aging and not necessarily a sign of dementia. However, such instances are worrisome and many people, including my friend, are concerned about brain health.
I suggested maybe the effort to go out and see other people would be good for her brain. She thought I was kidding. I wasn’t.
Per Havard Health Publishing from Harvard Medical School, “Research increasingly shows that strong social ties are crucial to brain health. Socializing stimulates attention and memory and helps strengthen neural networks. You may just be laughing and talking, but your brain is hard at work. This increase in mental activity pays off over time”.
“Scientists have found that people with strong social ties are less likely to experience cognitive decline than people who spend most of their time alone. In fact, one large study, which included some 12,000 participants, suggests that when people are lonely, their risk of dementia rises by as much as 40%.”
Multiple universities, the National Institutes of Health, the weekly international journal Nature, and many other researchers all confirm a direct correlation between positive social interaction and brain health. They encourage staying away from those who are constantly negative if possible or balance them with other positive interactions.
Psychology Today points out that time socializing helps keep our brains flexible and may boost brain resilience, adding, “We should consider prioritizing social connection as a daily brain health intervention.”
How does one do this, particularly when are social networks are fluid and change over time? There are many opportunities. An easy way is to reach out to old friends; shared memories are a great base for easy conversation and updates. Say “yes” to invitations or new opportunities, even if you’re hesitant. Not much to lose here. If you really don’t like it, you can just not do it again.
Check out what’s going on in and around your town. Senior centers, libraries, art venues, book clubs, service clubs are likely all available. Unsure of going alone? Call ahead and say it’s your first time. It’s common that someone will greet you and show you around.
Get more familiar with online video chatting opportunities. There are multiple learning venues for this, including the local Campus for Creative Aging and some of the area senior centers. Which leads to another easy solution for social interaction, volunteering.
The added benefit to helping others is helping yourself through social interaction and a sense of purpose. The Area Agency on Aging offers many volunteer opportunities to consider. Two they’re actively recruiting for are coaches in the Computer Learning Center at the Campus for Creative Aging and Friendly Helper Volunteers.
Computer Coaches do not teach, they assist the instructor in making sure individual needs are being met during class. Friendly Helper volunteers help older adults or people with disabilities with tasks such as running errands, common chores, connecting technology or companionship. The role is customizable to the volunteer’s specific interests, talents, abilities and time availability.
Interested in learning more? You can reach the Volunteer & Senior Engagement team directly at 269-983-7058. There is also a volunteer interest form at https://areaagencyonaging.org/volunteer-opportunities/.
Increasing social connections. Nothing to lose, a lot to gain. Take the risk.
Lynn Kellogg is former CEO of Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Questions on age or independence services? Call the Info-Line for Aging & Disability at 800-6542810 or visit areaagencyonaging.org. The Generations column appears each weekend in The Herald-Palladium.