Recent research from ASPREE published in the journal GeroScience has found that socially and mentally stimulating activities are associated with a reduced risk of developing frailty and slower progression of frailty.
Masters student researcher Claire McCubbin, Dr Aung Zaw Zaw Phyo, Professor Joanne Ryan and their ASPREE colleagues have used health data from ASPREE and information on social activities and pastimes from the accompanying ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP) to explore how activities such as social engagement, writing and reading, computer use and other creative activities (e.g. handcrafting) are related to frailty development over a decade of follow up.
It is well known that continuing to be physically active plays an important role in reducing risk of frailty in older age, but this research highlights that being socially active and participating in mentally stimulating activities and interests may also contribute to reducing frailty risk.
On average, participants who joined a club or local organisation were 3% less likely to become frail, over a seven-year period. Similarly, having a larger support network – for example at least four relatives or friends they could regularly contact and ask for help – was also linked to reduced frailty.
Even though they are usually undertaken while sitting, mentally stimulating activities such as playing cards and chess or doing puzzles and crosswords appeared to reduce frailty risk by about 4%. And participants who engaged in literacy tasks – such as writing letters, using a computer or attending educational classes – were 2% less likely to become frail compared to their peers. Women seemed to benefit the most from these activities, which reduced their likelihood of becoming frail by between 3% and 6%.
Dr Phyo says, “Our new research underscores the importance of involving older people in social and learning-based activities.
From a policy perspective, governments should invest in age-friendly infrastructure such as libraries and community centres. Installing assistive equipment – such as ramps and grab rails – will ensure older people can regularly attend social or learning-based activities.”