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Get out more to stay healthy
A new study shows that having an active social life could keep you healthier for longer, writes Lesley Dobson
Grab your hat and keys, and get ready to be sociable: new research has shown that keeping up a social life in our later years isn't just good for us mentally, it could prevent physical decline too. The research was carried out at the Rush University Medical Centre, Chicago, and studied 906 older adults over almost five years.
They were all asked to complete a survey to assess their physical activities, and their social activities. The researchers also assessed their motor skills by measuring their grip and pinch strength and how well they could stand on one leg, place pegs in a board and walk in a line, placing their feet heel to toe etc.
Motor skills describe our ability to use the parts of our bodies that are moved by muscle control, such as hands, arms and legs. When our motor skills start to fail, it has a negative effect on our health, and can lead to disability and death.
"A lower frequency of participation in social activity was associated with a more rapid rate of motor function decline," says Dr Aron S Buchman. The research found that those who didn't get out or meet friends very often were likely to age more quickly. Being socially active could decrease your chance of disability by as much as 65 percent, and your risk of dying by 40 per cent.
"As we get older changes in our lives such as retiring, moving house, children leaving home and bereavement can all have a big impact on our social networks and sometimes result in losing contact with friends and family," says Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director of Age Concern and Help the Aged.
"However, this study shows the importance of maintaining an active social life to help keep both mind and body healthy. Whether it is taking up a new activity or simply meeting friends regularly, making the effort to socialise can bring health benefits.
"Sadly, socialising isn't easy for everyone and our research shows one in 10 over 65s say they are always lonely and more than two million have symptoms of depression.
"More must be done to ensure there are services in every community that reach out to vulnerable older people. If you know an older person who you think might be lonely or isolated, why not suggest they go along to their local Age Concern, community centre or retirement club for lunch or coffee."
More work needs to be carried out to make sure that living a longer, healthier life is connected to having an active social life, but until that happens, it wouldn't hurt to take a little preventative action and give your social life a boost. Don't forget that when you're meeting friends for coffee, darts, a walk in the park, a game of cards, or just chatting to them on the phone, you're doing them good, too.
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