Correlation between Leisure Activities and Risk of Dementia
Most of us know that we feel better when we spend time with those we love. We also know that when we participate in activities that we enjoy, our spirits are often lifted. What is becoming even clearer to researchers is that all of these things are also good for us. Some research even shows that participation may decrease our risk of dementia.
If you are finding it difficult to encourage your loved ones to get out and start enjoying their family, friends, and all of the activities that have brought them joy and happiness in the past, the following research may be the motivation needed.
Research found in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reported in MD Consult shows that seniors who participate in regular “social or leisure activities such as traveling, odd jobs, knitting or gardening were associated with a lower risk of subsequent dementia.”
A second research study reported in the American Journal of Public Health (July, 2008) studied 2249 women 78 years of age or older with varying degrees of social networks. Like the previous study, this study found that “larger social networks have a protective influence on cognitive function among elderly women. Future studies should explore which aspects of social networks are associated with dementia risk and maintenance of cognitive health.”
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