
[SIZE=-1]Are you a social butterfly? You might have a brainy advantage over your less social counterparts. Studies suggest that having an active social life can sharpen your thinking skills. One study, involving more than 3,600 adults, found that regardless of age, the more frequently they interacted with friends, neighbors, and relatives, the higher their score on a simple test of cognitive function. And a second study, conducted in a group of about 75 young adults, found that discussing a social issue for 10 minutes before taking a test boosted performance as much as engaging in intellectual tasks such as working a crossword puzzle.
Socializing may also play a role in keeping you sharp as you age. Studies suggest that having satisfying relationships with friends and family and participating in mentally stimulating activities with others is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Read more on clearing away brain fog, and on reducing your risk of dementia.
[/SIZE] [SIZE=-1]Subscribe now![/SIZE]
Subscribe to [SIZE=-1]ConsumerReports.org[/SIZE] for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. [SIZE=-1]Update your feed preferences[/SIZE]