‘Tis the season of the holiday party! We gather with family, friends, coworkers and neighbors this time of year to celebrate and renew the bonds that draw us together. Our meeting together is not only a joyful and rejuvenating experience but also one that can strengthen our minds.
In wrapping up our series of ‘treats’ for our mind and memory, we’ll finish with the importance of socialization. Being with others activates our brain and memory like being alone cannot. It’s one of the traits of people who age well. In examining lives of those who maintain sharp cognitive function throughout their lives, one of the common threads was their strong social networks.
For some, being with others is outside their comfort zone. They may be more introverted or just not have as many opportunities to interact with others. For these folks, it may take more planning or effort than others who are naturally more social. But making the effort to socialize with others IS worth the effort.[tweetthis]Making the effort to #socialize helps our #memory #wellness![/tweetthis]
The social activities we should all engage in do not have to be large gatherings. It can be a simple as meeting with an old friend for coffee, going for a walk with a family member or stopping to speak with a neighbor. Whatever and however you can be a bit more social, just do it!
Being social engages our minds to think, discuss and engage with others. It increases our awareness and stimulates our minds and memories. Having an open mind to new people, experiences and places expands our mind and memory horizons. It will not only help us now but also later with more cognitive reserve to draw upon as we age.
Cognitive reserve is the mental fitness we draw upon to help us withstand assaults on our brain later in life. We can build up cognitive reserve by continually learning and stimulating our brain but also by challenging it by being with others.
Let’s make an effort to maintain our social ties with family, friends, neighbors or even new acquaintances this holiday season. It’s an easy and wonderful time to year to create a new habit of engaging socially. We will not only enjoy the season in a different and expanded way but also strengthen our mind and memories in the process. Give yourself the gift to celebrate responsibly this season with loved ones to create new memories and cognitive reserve!
Kathleen Choren says
December 10, 2016 at 8:03 amI enjoyed your socializing suggestion. I think volunteering or joining craft groups or other such activities is important. I am at Alexian Village and host a stitching group. I even suggest residents just come and visit. There are few who come. There is also a writing class with few members. Writing should really help the mind even if a person does not think they are talented in writing. Some people eat alone in their apartments when eating with others should help stimulate their minds. I enjoy your Memory Class but can not attend your Thursday talks because that is the time of my stitching group. Kathleen Choren
Jill Hoven says
December 12, 2016 at 7:49 amThanks Kathleen!I love how you are engaging in many various activities to keep your mind and memory stimulated and especially how you encourage others to do the same. Keep up the great job!