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There are three important levels of being social that reduce your risk of dementia by 50%!
There are three important levels of being social that reduce your risk of dementia by 50%!
Have at least one or two people in your life who, regardless of the situation, will always be there to help you. For example, this can be a spouse, a sibling, or a close friend.
Have a handful of people that are friend who you regularly interact with and whose company you enjoy. For example, the person who likes to go on walks with you or goes to the movies with you.
Have people in your community who you may not know well, but you recognize and they recognize you and make you feel like a part of your community. For example, the librarian who asks you how you like the book you checked out last week or the waitress at the local breakfast place who knows how you like your coffee.
Visit with Friends and Family
Visit with Friends and Family
Plan to spend time with people you care about. According to scientific research, spending time with people you care about can significantly reduce your risk of cognitive decline.
Find Belonging in a Group
Find Belonging in a Group
Maintaining social connections with people who care about things you believe are important can help prevent the development of cognitive decline.
A listing of statewide community activity centers which have activities for older adults can be found at this link.
Do Group Activities You Enjoy
Do Group Activities You Enjoy
Keep connected with others by doing group activities you like, such as participating in a book club or joining a fitness club.
For a list of classes available in your community, check out the YMCA's website here.
Volunteer
Volunteer
Volunteering in a way which helps your community grow is a great way to make new friends and have a positive impact on the world while reducing your risk of cognitive decline.
An organization which helps connect volunteers with people who need help can be found at this link.
Find Someone You Trust
Find Someone You Trust
If you don't already have someone who will support you in a crisis, reach out to someone you think you can trust and with whom you feel comfortable talking.
Resources to help you be social!
Resources to help you be social!
Fridge reminder to be social from the Iowa Department of Public Health: https://idph.iowa.gov/Portals/1/userfiles/202/SaveYourBrain/Be%20social%20Reminder.pdf
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