The Amazing Boost That Being with Other People Gives to Your Brain
Our brains have a fundamental need to connect. Why in the world would being with other people be so important to how our brains function? As it turns out, much of our brain’s hardwiring (function below the level of awareness) comes to us from our primitive ancestors. Our primitive ancestors had to stay in groups or they would be killed by predators. And, we inherited this brain hardwiring. We have primitive brains at the core, trying to function in the 21st century.
Our brains need interaction with other people. When we socialize with others we are using and strengthening our cognition. This is really important as we get older. In fact, cognitive decline starts around the mid-twenties. When we are socializing we are using these cognitive functions: thinking. Feeling, sensing, reasoning, and intuition.
Our risk for developing dementia as we get older increases if we start to isolate ourselves. It might not seem like this would ever be your problem, but let’s take a look at a right of passage within our third age: retirement. As surprising as it may seem, retirees are vulnerable to social isolation. The workplace is a novel and complex environment with a social network built in. It is usually assumed that your social connections will follow you when you retire. The reality is quite the opposite.
A very close friend of mine was a professional working for a large corporation for many years. He was a company guy. He loved what he did and the people that he worked with. And, he was really looking forward to retirement. He thought he was ready – his retirement was well funded and he had a great financial planner making sure that his financial future was secure. The day that he had his retirement party and walked out that corporate door two problems popped up:
- He was an all-in company guy. That was his world. Shortly after he walked out those doors for the last time – he was lost. He had no idea of what he was going to do next.
- His social life took a huge hit. His entire social circle was made up of his work friends. Once he left that environment all of his friend relationships changed.
His brain took a hit from all of this turmoil. In a very short time, his cognitive function took a nose-dive. He gave me a call – thank goodness.
He was blindsided by this turn of events. The power of being with other people is below our level of awareness. We don’t know what we are missing it until we don’t have it.
What can you do if you are retired or close to retirement and can see that this might be a problem?
First Step – Right Now: Review
Ask yourself when was the last time that you socialized with friends?
If everything comes back work-related – go back further. Who were your pre-work friends and what did you do that you really enjoyed?
Second Step – Tomorrow
Take a virtual or driving trip around your community. Where are the groups, activities, events that you would like to know more about? Attend one.
Next Steps: the rest of the week, month, year
Continue identifying places where people gather. Call an old or new friend and have coffee. Look for events that excite you and entice you to be involved. Put yourself out there and be open to the experience. No judgments – just enjoyment.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
-Lao Tzu-
Patricia Faust, MGS
Patricia is a gerontologist specializing in brain aging and brain health. As a Boomer herself, she understands a future under the cloud of Alzheimer’s disease. Patricia’s mission and passion to embolden her peers to live a brain healthy life and beat the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Want to know more?
Check Patricia out on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-faust-4358037
Or go to www.myboomerbrain.com
Email: patricia@myboomerbrain.com