The Importance of Productive and Meaningful Activity in Aging

     Healthy aging involves staying active, taking part in healthy activities, and making healthy food choices. Research has shown that more active adults live longer than those who are less active. Taking part in healthy activities that require less or no physical effort can help to increase the length and the quality of life. ³

     Many studies have shown that people who are highly active in meaningful leisure activities are at lower risk for developing health problems^.2 Memory loss is considered to be the main reason of dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases. Healthy activities, like playing card games, can promote maintenance of memory skills and prevent or push back the effects of memory loss. ¹

     Research also shows that people, who are social and stay active in the community, are usually happy and less depressed. Volunteering in the community or taking part in a meaningful activity can make adults feel happy, healthy, and reinforce the sense of worth and belonging.

Reference:

1. Crowe, M., Andel, R., Pedersen, N., Johansson, B., & Gatz, M. (2003). Does participation in leisure activities lead to reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease? A prospective study of Swedish twins. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci, 58 (5): P249-P255. doi: 10.1093/geronb/58.5.P249
2. Dodge, H., Kita, Y., Takehito, H., Hayakawa, T., Ganguli, M., & Ueshima, H. (2008). Healthy cognitive aging and leisure activities among the oldest old in Japan: Takashima study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci.63(11): 1193–1200.
3. Glass, T., Mendes de Leon, C., Marottoli, R., & Berkman, L. (1999). Population based study of social and productive activities as predictors of survival among elderly Americans. British Medical Journal. 319(7208).

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