2. Stay socially active
In line with that, numerous lines of research have shown that staying socially active protects us from cognitive decline. Centenarians with higher social engagement have better brain health, for instance, while taking part in social activities during midlife has been associated with higher overall cognitive ability in old age. (Read about why later life can be a golden age for friendship.)
This has also been shown by a large observational study, which found that those who were more socially active in midlife and later life had a 30-50% lower risk of dementia as it increased cognitive reserve, the authors note.
Staying socially active can delay symptoms too. A study of 1,923 older participants, of those who went on to develop dementia, those who were least socially active developed it five years earlier than the most socially active.
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