New Study Links Social and Learning Activities to Healthier Aging
Doing puzzles and joining clubs could help you age well: new research
The Conversation
Image: The Conversation
A study involving over 12,000 older Australians found that engaging in social and mentally stimulating activities can reduce the risk of frailty as people age. Participants who joined clubs or engaged in activities like puzzles and literacy tasks were less likely to experience physical decline, especially among women.
- 01The study tracked 12,862 Australians aged 70 and above over 11 years.
- 02Participants who joined clubs were 3% less likely to become frail over seven years.
- 03Engaging in mentally stimulating activities reduced frailty risk by about 4%.
- 04Women benefited more from social and learning activities, with a 3% to 6% reduction in frailty risk.
- 05Future research should explore the comparative effectiveness of social activities versus physical exercise and diet.
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A recent study involving over 12,000 older Australians has revealed that participating in social and mentally stimulating activities can significantly reduce the risk of frailty as individuals age. The research followed participants aged 70 and older over an 11-year period, assessing their health through various indicators such as cognitive function and physical performance. Findings indicated that those who joined clubs or had a larger support network were 3% less likely to become frail. Additionally, engaging in activities like puzzles and literacy tasks correlated with a 4% reduction in frailty risk. Notably, women appeared to gain more benefits from these activities, with reductions in frailty likelihood ranging from 3% to 6%. The study emphasizes the need for policies that promote age-friendly environments, encouraging older adults to participate in social and learning activities to enhance their health and well-being.
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The findings suggest that promoting social and learning activities can enhance the health of older adults, potentially reducing healthcare burdens.
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