Dementia could steal years of quality living from a person's life and make them completely dependent on others over time. Dementia can also kill as with the progress of symptoms the disease can also affect bodily functions. The risk of dementia increases after 65, however, early-onset disease is also becoming common in younger people. According to PubMed in 2022, more than six million Americans were living with dementia.

Dementia doesn't have a cure, and its progression can only be slowed with lifestyle changes and medication. However, its risk can be reduced by leading a more mindful and socially-active life.

A new study suggests that staying socially active as you turn older could help one lead a longer and sharper life. One of the activities that the research mentions is Bingo night which could be fun as well as brain-boosting. The activity promotes social connection which could be good for elderly at the age when they are battling loneliness.

Other activities that older individuals should participate in are - dining out with friends, attending religious services, or just staying connected. Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that older people who stay socially connected develop dementia up to five years later than those who isolate themselves.

“This study is a follow up on previous papers from our group showing that social activity is related to less cognitive decline in older adults,” Bryan James, an associate professor of internal medicine at Rush, said in a press release.

Chronic loneliness could be harmful for your brain health and could lead to cognitive decline, especially in brain regions responsible for memory and executive function.

How the study was carried out

The study involved 1,923 dementia-free older adults. They were monitored for over seven years. The researchers monitor their social activity and cognitive health annually. It was found that after over nearly seven years, 545 participants developed dementia, while 695 showed signs of mild cognitive impairment.

The research team found that more frequent social activity was linked to a 38% lower chance of developing dementia and a 21% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment.

Researchers feel socializing can keep the brain's neural circuits active and prevent age-related changes. They said that even playing bingo activates the brain areas responsible for thinking and memory.