Health · Medical Research · 2 hrs ago
Social activities linked to better memory and thinking in older adults
A study following 57,793 people across 24 countries found that older adults who took part in social activities tended to score better on tests of memory and thinking.
Participants were aged 57 to 73 and were tracked for an average of six years.
Volunteering and joining sports clubs were linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline, while taking courses and caring for children were linked to higher scores year by year.
Taking part in at least three beneficial activities was associated with the strongest effect, and the link was more pronounced among women over 60.
The researchers say mentally stimulating social activity may help maintain connections between brain cells, but the study shows links rather than proving cause and effect.
Social engagement may be a changeable factor in efforts to reduce cognitive decline, which can affect memory, planning and other thinking skills.
The findings add to a 2024 Lancet report that said nearly half of dementia cases might be avoidable through healthier lifestyles and treatment of common health conditions.
A study found that older adults who took part in social activities had higher cognitive scores than those who did not.
The analysis covered 57,793 people aged 57 to 73 across 24 countries, followed for an average of six years.
Volunteering and membership in sports clubs were linked to lower risk of cognitive decline across all five surveys.
Training courses and caring for children were linked to higher cognitive scores over time.
The researchers said taking part in at least three beneficial activities was associated with the strongest effects, particularly for women over 60.
- Who
- Researchers from Shandong University studied 57,793 people aged 57 to 73.
- What
- The study linked some social activities with higher cognitive scores and a lower risk of cognitive decline.
- When
- Participants were tracked for an average of six years. The article was published on 20 October 2026.
- Where
- The analysis used five national surveys across 24 countries, including England, the US, Mexico and China.
- Why
- Researchers said mentally stimulating social activities may strengthen brain-cell connections and help preserve cognitive function.
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- Participants
- 57,793 people aged 57 to 73
- Countries
- 24
- Follow-up
- Average of six years
- Surveys
- Five national surveys
- Activities
- Volunteering, sports clubs, training courses and looking after children linked to cognitive benefits
What people are saying
use it or lose it
potentially modifiable factor