Apparently going our with pals, whether that be to a bingo hall, pub, or just a walk around the park, protects against dementia, so say researchers. A study found 60 year old who saw friends or family daily were 12 per cent less likely to develop Alzheimer's than loners.
The experts studied more than 10,000 middle-aged Brits over three decades to assess how socialising affected their risk of brain-wasting disease. They think regular catch ups help to engage the mind and build up extra brain power.
Researcher Professor Gill Livingston, from University College London, said: "mostly doctors are spoilsports who tell you to cut down on things you like, such as smoking and drinking. But our findings suggest doctors should also be encouraging people to go out and enjoy themselves with friends. They should socialise regularly, whether it is going for walks, meeting in a pub, a bit of bingo or out for dinner and a chat. The take-home message is; do not sit around on your own watching television or staring out of a window, but go and speak to friends and engage your brain."
Currently, it is thought around 850,000 Brits have dementia at some level. It is incurable, but one in three cases is thought to be preventable with better lifestyle.
Four in ten elderly Brits claim they often spend a day without speaking to anyone, according to 2017 research. Experts warn loneliness is as bad as health as a 15-a-day smoking habit.
HMHB says:
This is exactly why we started our Izzwalkz (health walks in Islington) initiative - and the feedback from that includes people saying how it lifts them up, gives them happiness, and an opportunity to meet regularly with friends. We wanted to encourage people to get outdoors, away from a solitary lifestyle and mix with friends.
It is also why we love our Free fitness sessions - they are as much about mental health and companionship as they are about physical health.
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