Talking and Touching (Even Virtually) Help Protect Against Alzheimer’s – #WATWB
While searching for Good News for October’s We Are The World Blogfest (#WATWB), I was heartened to read that engaging in social interactions helps combat Alzheimer’s in the elderly.
When COVID hit early this year, “social distancing” was touted as the way to keep people safe. Personally, I thought that a more appropriate term was “physical distancing,” since we weren’t told to stop talking or texting on the phone, or stop Zooming or emailing. Rather, we were told to keep physically safe by staying at least 6 feet away from others, wearing masks, and washing hands.
But we worried about the effects of isolation on the elderly, and recent research shows us we had reason to worry. Studies reveal that people suffering from dementia who have higher levels of social engagement possess a stronger and healthier brain, thus protecting them from Alzheimer’s. When it comes to the brain, socializing appears to be a way of using it so we don’t lose it.
To read about how people and especially old timers can safely and effectively engage socially, check out this article from the Good News Network at: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/moderate-social-interaction-could-help-prevent-dementia/.
Wishing everyone a Happy Hallowed Evening!
At the end of each month, we bloggers are given an opportunity to post good news, offering an antidote to bad news in our feeds. The talented co-hosts for this month are: Sylvia McGrath, Sylvia Stein, Shilpa Garg, Belinda Witzenhausen, and Mary Giese. Please check out the blogs and say hello.
What’s spookier than Halloween? True crime.
Lizbeth Hartz is the author of the true crime, true love memoir Angel Hero, Murder in Hawaii, A True Story. Get it on Amazon or sign up to read the 1st chapter free.
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Thanks for sharing this article, Liz. Social interaction and mental stimulation was something that always concerned me with my mom when she was in assisted living. She’s gone now, but I remember times when she didn’t want to come out of her room and be with the other residents or participate in activities. For as long as I was able, I took her out every Saturday for a restaurant meal and a ride around town. I’d like to think that, in some small way, it helped.
Oh, Mary, I’m sure you helped her. I’ve had similar experiences, having helped care for my husband’s mom with dementia for many years. I believe her spirit knows what you did for her and loves you even more for your empathetic giving.
I love the idea of prescribing ‘socialising’ as healthy medicine Lizbeth! A wonderful post for #WATWB thank you and I know you do a huge lot behind the scenes so thank you for that too! Have a great weekend.
I love it too! Thank you for your kind words; you gave me a lovely lift. Wishing you a great weekend, too!
A great reminder for the so many enduring loneliness. 🙂
Great post! I’ve worked in social services, assisted living center and a hospital gereatrics wing. Mental stimulation and social interaction really are so important to both one’s mental and physical health. Thanks so much for sharing this and for being a part of#WATWB! Hope you are having a great weekend!☺️
I agree, DGKaye, and hope that more prescribed socializing will happen. It’s sad to think of the elderly feeling all alone.
This sounds wonderful. Socialising is always good. In some ways it helps keep you motivated to do better too.
Yes, socializing and interacting with others boosts physical and mental health and it is all the more wonderful to note that it helps keep Alzheimers at bay. Thanks for sharing this positive news, Lizbeth! 🙂