Salutaris

In Australia, it is estimated that 15 people per 1000 suffer with dementia. This figure raises to 84 per 1000 above the age of 65.

Watching Dad suffer from this condition really brought home how a once brilliant mind can be reduced to struggle to complete even the simplest of cognitive tasks. Being stripped of his ability to engage in meaningful conversation, recall what happened just moments ago and not knowing who the people are around him, makes it impossible for Dad to be the person he was.

Could this have changed for Dad if adjustments were made to his lifestyle? I believe so. The growing amount of evidence to support this will soon hopefully lead to a clearer understanding of how this disease can be slowed, or better yet, avoided.

Our Choice of Habits

We tend to have an aversion to changing our lifestyle habits, or even question what we have been told regarding how we treat ourselves. We falsely trust that what has historically or habitually been done is the right thing to keep on doing. Why do we do this when we can have more fulfilling and longer lives with better health? Simple changes can make all the difference.

A Personal Change

One change I’m glad to have made is to engage in social interactions that I previously tended to avoid. Recently I attended a group ride where I’d only met two of the other people before. There were 14 of us in attendance, from various cultural backgrounds, ages, education levels and abilities. None of this mattered, because we all shared the same passion, motorcycles.

The day was amazing. During our breaks and as we shared lunch together, there was never a shortage of conversation. Yes, there was a heavy focus on our topic of choice, but through this, we came to know each other through the stories that went around. It’s difficult to word how this bond feels, which seems strange for a group of individuals that would otherwise not gather. We had a common purpose, to experience an incredible ride together and make sure no-one was left behind.

Why is This Relevant?

So, what was the point of sharing this? Looking at what the science currently tells us about the links between social connections and lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, it’s a no-brainer to make social connections part of our lifestyle.

Here are some of the benefits of social interactions:

• Cognitive Stimulation – Learn how to act and react to ideas from a different perspective.
• Emotional Support – Be available to offer support. This is also inversed, with support always on offer from a genuine group.
• Reduced Isolation – This goes without saying. Just be prepared to put yourself out there. It’s easier than you think.
• The Greater Good – The social spin-offs around these interactions usually involve being out in the community, supporting local businesses or being part of the social fabric, helping shape the environment we live in.
• Healthy Lifestyle Factors – Being in new environments keeps you learning and often stepping away from your normal routine makes you move differently. Sharing meals with others is a healthier way to eat. Afterwards, take the time to breathe and reflect on your experience, a raft of positives will usually come to mind. At the end of the day, this stimulation of the mind and body can help you sleep better, ending with the best way to physically and mentally recover.

As we know, there is no single way to approach our lifestyle habits. Looking at the best ways to Sleep, Move, Eat, Breath and be part of Community can go a long way to improving our health-span.

Your Choice

Now it’s up to you. What lifestyle habits do you have that are cutting your health-span short? Be honest with yourself then reach out for support. If you have someone that knows you well, ask them where your blind spots are and what can help make you the person others want to engage with. It’s in your health’s best interest to do so.

There are incredible communities all around us and a wealth of information ready to be shared, we just need to get involved.

Share with us the types of groups you are part of below.