A study by the Harvard School of Public Health found evidence that seniors in the US with active social lives may have a slower rate of memory decline than those who are more closed off. Previous studies suggested than an active social life may reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline among seniors. Memory loss is a strong risk factor for dementia, a syndrome that is estimated to affect up to ten percent of the US population 65 years and older.

The study used data gathered from the Health and Retirement Study, which used a large and nationally representative population of US adults 50 years and older. The results found that seniors with the most social integration also had the slowest rate of memory decline. In fact, memory decline among the most integrated was less than half the rate than among the least integrated. Their findings were independent of age, gender, race and health status.

According to Lisa Berman, one of the authors of the study, published in the July 2008 edition of the American Journal of Public Health, “social participation and integration have profound effects on the health and well-being of people during their lifetimes. We know from previous studies that people with many social ties have lower mortality rates. We now have mounting evidence that strong social networks can help to prevent declines in memory.”

A study published in a 2009 edition of the Archives of Internal Medicine found that social activity is as important as exercise for seniors. They discovered that in addition to exercise, being socially active was important in order for seniors to maintain muscle strength, speed and dexterity into old age. Volunteer work, attending sporting and social events and even visiting friends and relatives all helped to maintain good physical health. In fact, they found that physical decline was around one-third more rapid among those who were socially inactive, even if they exercised.

There are many ways to choose social activities. One is to search for local activities. Many community organizations, including libraries, park commissions and learning annexes, offer free activities for seniors. The activities range from lectures and book clubs to classes in painting, drawing, pottery, yoga, tai chi or dancing. Others offer things like bingo night. Still, other activities emphasize being outdoors, such as a class that teaches the basics of gardening.

Another way to get social is to join organized trips geared specifically toward seniors. Lots of tourism companies and community centers organize day trips. For the most active, it can be an expedition to an outlet mall, a visit to a museum or a trip to a nature center for bird watching and lectures. For seniors who do not have the fitness level needed to walk around for hours, visits to casinos and theaters are also popular. One of the advantages of this type of organized trip is that seniors who are going alone can have the opportunity to strike up conversations and form lasting friendships. These trips are organized with seniors in mind, so they usually offer appropriate snacks and time the journey so that it is not tiring or overwhelming.

For seniors who are ready to move into a different living space, assisted-living communities can be a great option. Such a community gives seniors the freedom to live independently while still having a support system available if they need assistance. Most of these communities have their own organized activities, from acting studios to nature outings. There was a time when these communities were designed for couples or widows and widowers looking to live alone, but some are now catering to seniors who want to share their living arrangements with a roommate. These communities offer seniors an excellent opportunity to meet people and find social partners.

Here are some ideas for simple, engaging activities for seniors:

• Take a class at a community college.
• Take a course or workshop offered by a local craft or sewing store.
• Start a community garden in any sized area, even in containers.
• Start a book club. Books are available on tape and in large print as well.
• Volunteer for those in need. This can include making blankets, packing school supplies for children and more. For ideas, search charities online or ask around at local churches and community organizations.
• Take a recreational group exercise class. It can make movement more fun and tolerable. Aqua-aerobics (available at most YMCAs and community pools) are especially senior-friendly.
• Start a movie night with popcorn. Revisit old favorites or enjoy newer films at home or in a theater.
• Organize DVD travel “tours,” complete with potluck food from the region.
• Form a choral group. You can stay in-house or travel to share joy with others.
• Get a group together for an outing to the zoo, local gardens, ethnic or interesting restaurants, art galleries and more. Ask for special accommodations ahead of time, if need be.
• Hold regular game nights. Try Bunco, Bingo or a chess club, for instance.

Sources: LiveStrong.com; LiveScience.com; HealthWorld Online, http://www.healthy.net; Suite101.com