Lonely Minds

At *The Age of Aging*, we often talk about the importance of physical activity and a healthy diet for brain longevity. However, one of the best things you can do to promote brain health as you age may also seem unlikely: hanging out with your friends.   In this episode, we explore the growing body of research linking social isolation and loneliness to cognitive decline and dementia risk. We’ll hear from older adults navigating loneliness, researchers studying its effects on the brain, and members of a unique housing community designed to help older adults stay connected.  Later, Terrence Casey, Jake Johnson, and Executive Producer Dr. Jason Karlawish reflect on what loneliness looks like in clinical practice, why social isolation can complicate dementia diagnosis and care, and what listeners can do to build stronger social connections throughout their lives.  **Inside this episode**  **5:35 – Social Isolation and Brain Health**  Dr. Holly Elser explains why social isolation is considered one of the 14 modifiable dementia risk factors and how social connection may help build cognitive reserve.  **7:43 – The Dementia Risk of Isolation**  Dr. Barbara Sahakian discusses research from the UK Biobank showing that socially isolated adults had a 26% increased risk of developing dementia.  **11:13 – Grief, Purpose, and Feeling Alone**  Frank Saar reflects on life after the death of his wife and the challenge of rebuilding a sense of purpose while coping with loneliness.  **15:24 – A Community Built for Connection**  Residents and staff from Morningside Gardens in New York describe how a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) helps older adults stay socially engaged, active, and supported.  **18:13 – The Social Lives of Healthy Agers**  Philadelphia artist Jean Lindsay shares how decades of participation in community arts programs helped him build friendships and maintain a sense of purpose.  **21:40 – “It’s Okay to Ask for Help”**  Doris Kitt explains why loneliness is deeply personal and why older adults should seek support when isolation begins to affect their well-being.  **24:39 – What Loneliness Looks Like in the Clinic**  Jason Karlawish discusses how social isolation often appears early in dementia and why clinicians pay close attention to changes in a person's daily routines and social engagement.  **34:13 – Finding Your Community Before You Need It**  Jake and Jason discuss why building meaningful social connections earlier in life may be one of the most powerful investments people can make in their long-term brain health.    **Resources available on the episode webpage linked below**  - Check out the 2024 Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care infographic outlining the 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia. <!--THE END--> - More on Barbara Sahakian <!--THE END--> - Read Dr. Sahakian’s book, Brain Boost <!--THE END--> - Learn more about Morningside Gardens Retirement and Health Services <!--THE END--> - Learn more about Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities - Sign up for a class at Fleisher Art Memorial - Resources for older adults experiencing loneliness and social isolation Special thanks to Doris Kitt, Holly Elser, PhD, Barbara Sahakian, PhD, Frank Saar, Dana Minaya, Ron Bruno, Gene Renzi, as well as today's co-hosts, Terrence Casey, Jake Johnson, and Jason Karlawish, MD.  *The Age of Aging* is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Producer Jake Johnson and Executive Producer Jason Karlawish. Contributors include Morgann Adams, Terrence Casey, Dalia Elsaid, Emily Largent, and Alison Lynn.  *The Age of Aging* is made possible by generous support from the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub Fund, Lena Chow, and the TIAA Institute.    **Doris Kitt’s Poem on loneliness:**  Life is fraught dear friends   That’s just how it is   The challenge is overcoming and  You don’t have to be a wiz     It’s okay to be sad   Just don’t let it linger  There are lots of things to do   To give loneliness the finger.     Remember the good ole days   And how life used to be   When things were really simpler   Now a memory to you and me.     Doing something different   And keeping busy too   Will bring about a change   You never knew you knew     Teach yourself a language   How hard could it be  Or simply go a fishin’   Or read a book beneath a tree.     Take the train to an unknown stop   Get off and have a cup of tea   Trying something new   Will bring a lot of joy to thee     Volunteer with children   Oh what a day you’ll have   And I guarantee that loneliness   Won’t seem so bad     The idea is to keep busy   Within your capable range   It will make you happy   And your mind will feel the change     Ride a bike. Go skating   Just doing something new   Will make your body healthy   I promise you.     The thoughts that make you lonely   Will be a thing of the past   Have faith. Have hope. Be joyful   And life will be a blast.     No matter what phase of life you’re in   Loneliness can be a drag   It will affect your welfare   And keep you in a bag.     Don’t delay in getting help   If that is what you need   You deserve to live a life of peace   So let others intercede.