Researchers in Europe say in addition to genetics and lifestyle, another important factor needs to be weighed into the likelihood of maintaining cognition.
New Research: This Age Group Experiences “Even Greater” Dementia Risk from Feeling Left Out
Published on Jan. 21, 2025
Especially when winter arrives in many parts of the country, feeling a little more isolated can come with the territory. It’s important to be aware of the growing research that suggests a pervasive sense of being alone can lead to physiological health effects. In 2018, a study released by AARP (formerly the American Association for Retired Persons) found that 40% of older adults reported feeling lonely. That number shot up to 50% during the Covid pandemic in the years that followed.
A new meta-analysis, which will appear in the March 2025 issue of the journal Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, has identified a specific way that loneliness or feelings of exclusion can directly affect your health.
Previous years of research had asserted that the greatest determinants of dementia risk were genetic predisposition and lifestyle habits like diet and exercise, sleep quality, and other behavior patterns. Now a pair of sociology researchers in Portugal believe social conditions are also a determinant of cognitive aging.
The author duo goes further, to say that social exclusion can put seniors at “even greater” dementia risk—on top of their other risk factors. “Social exclusion is the process of isolating individuals and groups from the mainstream of society,” the authors say. “Older adults are particularly susceptible to social exclusion compared to other age cohorts due to their vulnerabilities, compounding disadvantages, and limited opportunities to mitigate it.”
The researchers referenced a 2017 study to outline social exclusion experiences across six categories:
- material and financial resources (which may be understood as feeling financial stress, especially that may prohibit effective healthcare, or not having the means to participate in outings with others)
- social relations (the frequency of interactions with others)
- neighborhood and community dynamics (as recent research found more metropolitan environments can cut depression risk in half)
- access to services, facilities, and transportation
- involvement in civic or other community activities that promote feelings of contribution and purpose
Examining dementia occurrence against these parameters, the researchers found that economic exclusion is strongly linked to cognitive decline in older adults, and that “social isolation, characterized by decreased social networks and limited social participation, is strongly associated with poorer cognitive outcomes in old age.”
They suggest that participation in social settings, for instance by maintaining friendships, volunteering, or being an engaged community member, “provides cognitive and emotional stimulation conducive to brain health.”
The Mayo Clinic lists ways to stay more actively connected to others:
- Get a hearing aid. Research shows that ensuring your hearing is optimal is one of the simplest ways to feel engaged with the world and people around you.
- Get a pet. “Animals provide companionship and often lead to interactions with other people,” the Mayo Clinic notes.
- Schedule catch-ups. Set the time on your schedule to have a catch-up call or a dinner date with someone you care about.
- Move your body. Get out for a round of golf, try pickleball, or go for a walk.
- Talk to your neighbors. That wave and “Hello” often lead to conversation, which can be a good reminder that you’re surrounded by support and neighbors who share your interest in the community.
- Connect spiritually. Praying or going to church can lift the spirit and help you feel grounded while also connected.
- Take a class. Remember that learning is lifelong—as well as a good way to interact!
- Volunteer. Making a difference in the community and society brings a sense of purpose.
If you’ve noticed any changes in your memory, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
For daily wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:
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