When you think of bingo night, you probably picture an evening of fun, friends, and maybe even a bit of friendly competition. But what if we told you that playing bingo (or simply staying socially active) could actually help you live a longer, sharper life? Well, a new study from Rush University Medical Center suggests that staying socially connected in your golden years might be one of the best things you can do for your brain.

The Link Between Social Activity and Dementia

We’ve all heard the saying “use it or lose it,” but it turns out this idea isn’t just for our muscles—it applies to our brains too. According to the study, older adults who maintain strong social ties are able to delay the onset of dementia by up to five years compared to those who isolate themselves. This is a big deal, especially considering that the number of people living with dementia in the U.S. is on the rise.

Credits: Discover magazine

In fact, this study found that those who stayed socially active had a 38% lower chance of developing dementia and a 21% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment. The more frequently you engage with others—whether through dining out, attending church, or yes, even playing bingo—the more you challenge your brain to keep those neural networks sharp.

A Game-Changer for Healthcare

But the benefits of social activity don’t stop with your health. The potential economic impact is huge too. A delay in dementia’s onset could save healthcare systems about $500,000 per person, as individuals would require less care in the earlier stages of cognitive decline. That’s a significant amount of money that could be saved by simply encouraging older adults to stay socially engaged.

So, what does this mean for you, and how can you get involved? It’s clear that investing in social activities, both for yourself and your loved ones, can have lasting benefits.

Why Socializing Helps Your Brain Stay Sharp

The exact reason why social activity helps protect against dementia isn’t entirely clear, but one possible explanation is that engaging in complex social interactions keeps the brain’s neural circuits active. When you chat with friends, navigate social situations, or even play games like bingo, you’re stimulating the areas of your brain responsible for thinking, memory, and executive function. It’s almost like giving your brain a workout, helping it stay resilient to age-related changes.

Dr. Bryan James, the study’s lead researcher, describes this process as “use it or lose it.” By continually engaging in stimulating social environments, older adults are more likely to maintain their cognitive abilities for longer.

The Socialization Boom After COVID-19

The pandemic threw a wrench into many people’s social lives, especially older adults, who were more likely to face isolation and loneliness. Researchers are now seeing the long-term effects of this loneliness, which has been linked to cognitive decline. In fact, those who were socially isolated during the pandemic are now at a greater risk of developing dementia due to the lack of mental stimulation.

Credits: USA today

This makes the findings of the study even more urgent. As we move into a post-pandemic world, prioritizing social connections for older adults should be a community-wide effort to reduce the growing risk of dementia.

What Can You Do?

If you’re in the age group at risk for dementia, it’s never too late to start prioritizing social activity. Whether it’s joining a local bingo group, going for walks with friends, or participating in community events, staying connected to others could be your best defense against cognitive decline. Even simple social interactions are proven to help keep the brain sharp.

So, next time you’re making plans with family or friends, remember: it’s not just about having fun—it’s about protecting your future mental health.

Conclusion

Socializing isn’t just good for your mood; it’s good for your brain too. By staying connected with others, older adults can delay the onset of dementia, improve cognitive function, and even save money in the process. The best part? You can start now. Whether it’s at bingo night, a coffee date, or a community event, every social interaction you engage in can help keep your brain healthy for years to come.