Senior Women socializing
Two recent studies, although distinct in focus and methodology, point to complementary findings that, in individuals living with dementia, certain types of everyday social interactions are perceived to improve emotional well-being.
And in older adults without dementia, according to the research, structured social programs are associated with measurable improvements in overall cognitive performance.
Although the study outcomes differ, both sets of findings suggest that maintaining social connections may play a meaningful role in the aging process.
The first study, published in BMC Geriatrics, surveyed more than 500 people involved with dementia care, mostly family and professional caregivers. The findings showed that meaningful interactions — such as singing, storytelling, smiling or simply sitting together — were perceived as the most valuable.
Speaking to specific symptoms, respondents selected “staying calm” as helpful for aggressive behavior, and 72.3% indicated that “being involved in daily activities” helped with depressive symptoms. The majority of social interactions took place in familiar environments, with around 60% occurring at home and 21% in adult day settings.
The study also found that after someone receives a dementia diagnosis, their relationships with friends and acquaintances were the most likely to fade, whereas new social contacts often are formed through support groups or caregiving networks. More than 85% of the caregivers believed that including those with dementia in daily tasks, such as cooking or gardening, gave them a sense of purpose and belonging.
Meanwhile, a second study, published in BMC Public Health, reviewed 15 randomized controlled trials across 10 countries, involving more than 1,700 older adults without dementia. The researchers found that participation in social-based behavioral programs — such as group art projects, music therapy, guided reminiscence and social skill-building — led to a 20% improvement in global cognitive performance, on average. Those programs, however, did not significantly improve executive function, the brain’s ability to plan or multitask.
One behavioral strategy stood out. “Demonstration of behavior,” in which participants were shown how to engage socially, explained more than 90% of the variation in success across programs. The most effective interventions were hands-on, frequent (weekly or more) and occurred in group settings.