Lower Your Dementia Risk by Socializing with Others

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Did you know you could lower your risk of dementia simply by getting out of the house and doing something enjoyable with other people? Socializing is an essential component in your efforts to continue to think clearly and stay healthy for your entire life. As part of the brain health class I am taking, I have learned that diet, exercise and sleep are all important in reducing our risk of dementia and Alzheimer's. Another important factor is socializing! Many senior citizens become isolated as they age. They may lose the ability to drive, some of their friends and their spouse may have died, and socializing may become more difficult. However, it is worth the effort. Isolation is linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, dementia and early death. How Can You Become more Social? Visit friends as much as you can, and call them when you cannot visit. Stay in touch. Volunteer at your place of worship, the local school, your community hospital and any other charity which you care about. Well known actress and comedian, Betty White, volunteers for the Cat Sanctuary in Laguna Beach. You are never to old to find a way to help someone. Take a class in almost anything and get to know the other students ... whether it is water aerobics, yoga, photography, computer classes or anything else which interests you. It is great way to make friends. Join a club ... book club, dinner club, quilting club, movie club or anything else which sounds fun. MeetUp. com is a great way to find clubs in your community. If you can't find a club, start your own. Find a Senior Center in your neighborhood. They have classes, lunches, dances and parties, with something going on almost all day long. If you do these things consistently the rest of your life, you are likely to live longer, think clearer and give meaning to your remaining years. Bottom line: Put aside the computer, call a friend, go out to lunch, take a class, have some fun, and laugh! Your brain will thank you!