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Social Seniors Stay Healthier Longer
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A recent study in the prestigious British Medical Journal* told readers what many sociable seniors already know that regular social contact is an important part of healthy aging.
Researchers interviewed almost 3,000 Connecticut residents aged 65 and older during a 13-year period to see how often they engaged in social, physical, or work-related activities, and then kept track of study participants who died during this time.
As expected, they found that people who got regular physical exercise were less likely to die than sedentary people. But they also found that frequent participation in "social" activities, such as attending church, going to theaters or restaurants, attending sporting events, playing cards or bingo, and participating in social groups, was also associated with increased longevity.
The researchers acknowledged that elderly people who regularly engage in social activities may already be healthier than housebound seniors. But they also say that regular social activities may help to reduce stress levels, imparting a protective effect on the immune system.
Health officials have made a considerable effort in recent years to emphasize the importance of maintaining physical exercise as people age. However, the authors suggest that attention should also be given to reducing barriers, such as lack of transportation, that prevent some seniors from keeping in touch with their peers.
* Glass TA, Mendes deLeon C, Marottoli RA, Berkman LF. "Population based study of social and productive activities as predictors of survival among elderly Americans." British Medical Journal, August 21, 1999, Volume 319, pp 478-83.
by Jean Baker, MS, RD
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