These 2 Activities Improved Successful Aging by 17%

A Simple Change in Your Routine Could Prevent Declines in Your Health

Author

My Longevity Experiment
December 09, 2024

Activities That Extend Healthspan: The Role of Social Participation in Successful Aging

A recent study published in the Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health sheds new light on the connection between social participation and successful aging. This comprehensive research followed more than 7,000 middle-aged and older Canadians over three years to determine whether engaging in social activities supports the maintenance of excellent health later in life.

Exploring the Study

The research focused exclusively on individuals who were aging successfully at the outset. By analyzing the correlation between social participation and health outcomes, the study aimed to determine whether these activities could enhance the likelihood of maintaining optimal health over time.

Establishing a Baseline

The study utilized longitudinal data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), specifically the baseline wave (2011–2015) and the first follow-up wave (2015–2018). A total of 7,651 participants, aged 60 years or older at the time of the second wave, were included. All participants were in excellent health at baseline—a status achieved by only 45% of respondents.

Defining Successful Aging

The researchers defined successful aging as:

“Freedom from any serious physical, cognitive, mental, or emotional conditions that prevent daily activities, as well as high levels of self-reported happiness, good physical health, and mental health.”

This inclusive definition set the framework for analyzing health outcomes in the study.

Key Findings on Social Participation

The study revealed significant differences between those who engaged in social activities and those who did not. Approximately 72% of participants involved in volunteer or recreational activities at the start of the study were still aging successfully three years later. In contrast, only about 66.6% of those who did not participate in these activities maintained their excellent health.

Deeper Insights

Further analysis showed that individuals who engaged in volunteer work or recreational activities were more likely to sustain optimal health throughout the study period. They were also less likely to develop physical, cognitive, mental, or emotional problems. Specifically, participants in recreational activities were 15% more likely to maintain excellent health, while those involved in volunteer work were 17% more likely to do so.

Expert Perspectives

Mabel Ho, a doctoral candidate at the University of Toronto's Institute of Life Course and Aging and the study's lead author, emphasized the intuitive connection between social activity and successful aging. She stated that, “Although the study's observational nature prohibits the determination of causality, it makes intuitive sense that social activity is associated with successful aging. Being socially active is important no matter how old we are. Feeling connected and engaged can boost our mood, reduce our sense of loneliness and isolation, and improve our mental health and overall health.”

The Rise of Social Prescribing

Some healthcare providers are now recommending social activities as a formal intervention, a practice known as "social prescribing." This non-pharmacological approach integrates primary care with community services, encouraging older adults to participate in volunteering and recreational activities to enhance their well-being.

Promoting Vibrant Aging

Professor Esme Fuller-Thomson, Director of the Institute for Life Course & Aging at the University of Toronto and senior author of the study, highlighted the study’s implications saying, “It is encouraging that there are ways to support our physical, cognitive, mental, and emotional well-being as we age. This is wonderful news for older adults and their families who may anticipate that abrupt decline is inevitable with age. It is important for older adults, families, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers to work together to create an environment that supports a vibrant and healthy later life.”

A Broader Understanding of Successful Aging

The study introduced a more inclusive concept of successful aging, allowing for the presence of chronic illnesses, provided individuals could perform daily activities and were free of disabling chronic pain. This approach contrasts with earlier studies that excluded individuals with chronic conditions from being classified as aging successfully.

Acknowledging Subjective Experiences

In addition to objective health metrics, the study incorporated participants' subjective perceptions of their aging process. It considered self-reported emotional well-being, happiness, and life satisfaction, areas often overlooked in previous research. This holistic perspective provides a more comprehensive understanding of what it means to age successfully.

This groundbreaking study underscores the importance of social participation in extending healthspan. By fostering community engagement and advocating for social prescribing, society can help older adults enjoy a more vibrant, fulfilling later life.

Study Links: