I was sitting in the park on a gorgeous spring day when I saw a group of old women talking and laughing at a picnic table by an old oak tree. They were all wearing red hats, so I assumed they were probably members of the “Red Hat Society.” For those unfamiliar with the group, it is for women over the age of fifty who come together in friendship. They are like a flock of beautiful birds, often seen perusing theaters, parks and other places of social gathering just to enjoy each other’s company.
As I was sitting in my car, alone, seeing these women taking pleasure from just having others to talk to, I hoped that I would have friends when I became older one day. It must be nice to have someone to talk to who can relate to the things you are going through yourself. But, after reading an article on time.com, there is much more good in having friends at an elderly age than just the conversation.
A new study suggests that older people who spend less time engaged in social activities tend to decline faster in motor function than those who do. Participating in mentally stimulating activity, socializing often and regular exercise may actually help protect age-related decline.
Carl Cotman, a neuroscientist from the University of California who studies aging and dementia, said that physical exercise produces a protein that helps keep neurons from dying and formulates new connections to the brain.
Furthermore, a study conducted in Illinois shows that on a 1 to 5 range scale, where 1 is the least active and 5 is the most, each one-point dropped meant a 33% physical decline, a 40% increased risk of death and a 60% higher risk of disability.
So tell Grandma to get off her rocker and go make some friends. It’s good for her.
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