Summary: A new study shows that older adults who stay socially active have a significantly lower risk of death over four years compared to those with low social engagement. The research, involving over 2,200 individuals aged 60 and older, found that high engagement in activities like charity work, grandparenting, and club participation reduced mortality risk by 42%.
These benefits were partially explained by slower biological aging and higher levels of physical activity among socially engaged participants. The findings emphasize that social connection is a key factor in healthy aging and longevity.
Key Facts:
- Mortality Reduction: High social engagement was linked to a 42% lower risk of death.
- Activity Matters: Volunteering, family involvement, and club participation drove benefits.
- Mechanism: Social activity supports longevity through slower aging and more physical movement.
Source: Wiley
A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society indicates that social engagement may help older individuals live longer.
In the study of 2,268 U.S. individuals aged 60 years and older who completed the Psychosocial and Lifestyle Questionnaires and provided blood samples in 2016, there was a strong association between engaging in social activities and a low risk of 4-year mortality.
High social engagement was associated with a 42% lower mortality risk than low engagement.
Specific activities, such as charity work, engaging with grandchildren, and participation in sports or social clubs, were particularly significant predictors of a reduced risk of dying.
Also, analyses indicated that decelerated biological aging and greater physical activity levels played key roles in facilitating the beneficial relationship between social engagement and lower mortality rates.
“Staying socially active is more than a lifestyle choice. It is closely linked to healthier aging and longevity,” said corresponding author Ashraf Abugroun, MBBS, MPH, of the University of California, San Francisco.
“These results underscore how participating in community life contributes to better health in older adults.”
About this social behavior and longevity research news
Author: Sara Henning-Stout
Source: Wiley
Contact: Sara Henning-Stout – Wiley
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
“Low Social Engagement and Risk of Death in Older Adults” by Ashraf Abugroun et al. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
Abstract
Low Social Engagement and Risk of Death in Older Adults
Background
Social engagement contributes to healthy aging, yet the mechanisms linking social engagement to mortality risk remain poorly understood. This study investigated the biological, behavioral, and psychological pathways mediating this relationship.
Methods
We conducted a prospective cohort study using Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data on participants aged 60 and older who completed the Psychosocial and Lifestyle Questionnaires and provided blood samples in 2016. Social engagement was assessed using nine items from the HRS Social Participation questionnaire, with responses categorized as low, moderate, or high.
Biological age was calculated using the Klemera–Doubal method and compared to chronological age to identify decelerated aging. We explored mediating pathways between social engagement and 4-year mortality risk using counterfactual mediation analyses.
Results
In total, 2268 participants were included. Higher social engagement was associated with lower all-cause mortality rates over 4 years of follow-up. The high social engagement group participants had a lower median biological age, healthier behaviors, and lower prevalence of depressive symptoms than those in the low and moderate engagement groups.
High social engagement was associated with lower mortality risk than low engagement (a-HR: 0.58 [95% CI: 0.39, 0.86; p = 0.009]). This effect was partially mediated by regular physical activity (16%) and decelerated biological age (15%). Other factors such as high depressive symptoms, excess alcohol use, and tobacco use showed no significant mediating effects.
Conclusions
Higher social engagement in older adults is associated with reduced mortality risk possibly due to decreased biological aging and increased physical activity levels.
