Social activities such as eating out with friends, writing letters and playing bingo can help reverse frailty in older people, research suggests. Around one in 10 over 65s are thought to be living with frailty, which increases risk of falls and hospitalisation. A Newcastle University study questioned almost 2,000 people about their social habits over eight years.
Those who became more socially active over time were up to 79% more likely to reverse signs of frailty and become more physically robust. Dr Ziyi Cai, first author of the study from Newcastle University, said: “People who are socially connected may have friends and loved ones supporting them to have healthier lives and access to healthcare, which could ward off frailty.
“On the other hand, people who are more isolated, and feel lonely, may be less active, less likely to get the care they need for their health, and sleep and eat less well — all of which can increase their risk of living with frailty.
“Age-friendly communities and networks that foster supportive social ties and activities could contribute to reducing the burden of frailty.”
Frailty refers to a person’s mental and physical resilience, or their ability to bounce back and recover from illness and injury, according to Age UK.
The research included 715 men from the four-decade British Regional Heart Study, supported by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), and 1,256 men and women from a similar study in the US.
Participants were asked how often they engaged in 10 social activities. These were:
- Spending time with family, friends, and neighbours;
- Doing voluntary work;
- Playing cards, games, or bingo;
- Participating in religious activities or social clubs;
- Going on holidays or overnight trips;
- Reading books or newspapers;
- Using the internet or writing letters;
- Attending courses or public meetings;
- Doing paid work;
- Eating out in restaurants or visiting the cinema, sports events or museums.
Sonya Babu-Narayan, the BHF’s clinical director and a consultant cardiologist, said: “This study adds to a growing body of evidence that social activities are good for our health, while loneliness and isolation can be detrimental.
“Exercise, such as resistance or strength training and maintaining good nutrition, are major factors which can reduce frailty.
“There is a growing focus in the NHS on ‘social prescribing’, which helps people embrace doing new things in their local area.
“Trying new group activities like volunteering, for those who can, may help to keep living well for longer.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
