Tag Archives: dementia

Exercise isn’t the only key to living a longer and healthier life.  As people age, they’re likely to experience loss of muscle strength, speed and dexterity.  While these impairments are upsetting on their own, they are also risk-factors for disability, dementia and death.  Now, researchers have found a simple way to help slow the physical decline of aging: engaging in social activities.

Researcher’s at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center have found that, among the elderly, less frequent participation in social activities is associated with a more rapid decline in motor function.  “It’s not just running around the track that is good for you,” said Aron Buchman, MD, associate professor of neurological sciences at Rush University Medical Center.  “Our findings suggest that engaging in social activities may also be protective against loss of motor abilities.”