ISLAMABAD: A new Canadian study has found that strong social relationships are closely linked to better cognitive health among older adults, reinforcing growing evidence that social connections play a critical role in healthy ageing.
The research was conducted by a team of scientists from McGill University and Université Laval, who examined how different aspects of social life affect cognitive performance later in life.
The findings are based on an analysis of data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), one of the country’s largest long-term health studies. Researchers analysed information from nearly 30,000 participants aged between 45 and 84, tracking social and cognitive patterns across a broad age range.
To assess the impact of social connection, the researchers evaluated 24 different social factors, including the size and strength of social networks, frequency of social interaction, emotional support, and engagement in community or social activities.
Cognitive health was measured across three key domains: executive function, which involves planning and decision-making; episodic memory, related to recalling past events; and prospective memory, which refers to remembering to carry out future intentions.
The study found a strong association between social relationships and cognitive performance. Participants who reported moderate to strong social environments consistently performed better across all three cognitive domains compared to those with weaker or more limited social connections.
Researchers said the results suggest that social engagement may help preserve cognitive abilities as people age, potentially delaying or reducing age-related cognitive decline.
“These findings align closely with previous research showing that social relationships are a key determinant of cognitive and overall health in older adults,” said study co-author Deva Nelson.
Nelson stressed that poor social connections should be viewed as a serious health risk, comparable to well-established factors such as smoking, physical illness, or obesity.
“Weak social ties can pose health risks similar to other major lifestyle factors,” she said, adding that social isolation may have long-term consequences for mental and cognitive wellbeing.
While the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, researchers said the consistency of the findings strengthens the case for prioritising social engagement as part of public health strategies for ageing populations.
The results come as many countries face rapidly ageing societies, raising concerns about rising rates of dementia and cognitive impairment. Experts increasingly argue that preventive measures, including social participation, physical activity and mental stimulation, could help reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
The researchers said future studies could explore whether targeted interventions—such as community programmes, social prescribing, or policies aimed at reducing isolation—can actively improve cognitive outcomes in older adults.
The study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that maintaining meaningful social connections throughout adulthood may be as important as physical health measures in preserving brain function and quality of life in later years.
