Social Connection and Playfulness

Forget kale and crosswords – social connection and playfulness may be the most powerful brain health strategy of all

This week my neighbours surprised me with flowers, just because. A small, spontaneous act of kindness that lifted my whole day.

Moments like these aren’t just pleasant. They may be vital for brain health.

Research shows that:

🧠Spontaneous, novel social interactions activate neural systems involved in adaptability and learning.

🧠Strong social networks delay dementia onset in some cases by as much as five years. While causation is debated, intervention studies suggest that enhancing social activity can improve executive functions such as planning and problem-solving.

🧠Even into very old age, social ties are associated with better memory and cognitive health.

In clinical practice, more often than not I see better cognition in those who stay socially engaged compared to those who become isolated. Connection and playfulness don’t just lift mood they support resilience and everyday functioning meaning people can stay independent for longer.

We often prescribe diet and exercise for healthy ageing. Perhaps we should prescribe play and social connection too.

Refs:
Chen, Y., Grodstein, F., Capuano, A. W., Wang, T., Bennett, D. A., & James, B. D. (2025). Late‐life social activity and subsequent risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 21(1), e14316.

Golland, Y., Ben-David, B. M., Mather, M., & Keisari, S. (2025). Playful brains: A possible neurobiological pathway to cognitive health in aging. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 19, 1490864.