If only they would listen….
It’s a common refrain, isn’t it? I’d venture to say that not “hearing” another person (donning my counselor hat here) is a major factor undermining any relationship. Sadly, in the prevailing us- versus-them culture in which we now live, this lament is increasingly common.
Supportive social interaction in adulthood has long been known as a key element in staving off cognitive decline. Now, a new study, published August 16 in JAMA Network Open, finds that simply having someone available to talk with most or all of the time is associated with higher cognitive resilience. Moreover, the researchers point out that although social support is important in younger decades of life, strong social relationships may overrule cognitive problems associated with brain aging in later years.
The Study: Brain Tests, Volume Measurements for over 2,000 Seniors
I am impressed that this study used one of the longest-running, close-monitoring cohorts in the United States for their 2,171 participants – the Framingham Heart Study. Average participant age was 63.
The data consisted of self-reported information on the availability of supportive interactions which included love, affection, listening and receiving good advice. They also reported how available that support was and how sufficient the contact frequency.
Then those participants underwent MRI scans and neuropsychological assessments. Through the scans, the researchers were able to measure cerebral brain volume (lower volume is linked to lower cognitive function).
Sifting through this information, linking brain volume, cognitive fitness and social connection, the researchers determined the most important variable underlying brain health based on all the gleaned data– “listener availability”.
Friendless and Forty? You Stand to Lose 4 Brain Years
Having a good listener around is perhaps even more important in younger decades of life. This study argues that individuals in their 40s and 50s with low listener availability had a cognitive age that was four years older than those with high listener availability. Four brain years!
That’s why I relentlessly chirp about incorporating brain health practices – exercise, nutrition, mental activity, socialization and stress management – throughout one’s lifespan. Brain health, in many respects, lies with the individual, not with magic pills nor even with your trusted doctor. (Have you ever been asked if you’re lonely or friendless at a routine physical?)
Taking Stock
Good friendships and partnerships take work. Indeed, those of us introvert-types can find that reaching out to a friend, old or new, is an effort. But chronic loneliness undermines health. Ask yourself honestly: do you truly have someone in your life who will listen to you in a supportive way?
The reference:
NYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine. "Having a good listener improves your brain health." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 16 August 2021