Engagement in social activities such as childcare and sports participation may help maintain cognitive function in older adults, according to an international study analyzing data from nearly 58,000 individuals aged 57 to 73. Researchers tracked participants across 24 countries—including England, the United States, Mexico, and China—over an average of six years to assess the relationship between social involvement and cognitive health.

The study evaluated participants’ cognitive performance through tests measuring memory and executive function, assigning scores that reflected their cognitive status. Results indicated that individuals involved in at least three different social activities demonstrated higher cognitive scores compared to those with fewer or no engagements. In particular, volunteering and membership in sports clubs were associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline, while attending training courses and caring for children corresponded with improvements in cognitive performance over time.

Notably, involvement in political, community, church, or religious groups did not show a consistent link to enhanced cognitive function. The protective effects of social participation were found to be more pronounced among women, individuals over 60, and those with higher educational attainment. Additional factors strengthening this association included living alone or residing in rural areas, absence of depression, maintaining a normal weight, as well as moderate alcohol consumption and smoking.

The findings underscore the potential importance of social engagement as a modifiable factor that may contribute to preserving brain health during aging. The research team emphasized the value of promoting diverse social activities among older populations as part of targeted interventions to mitigate the risk of age-related cognitive decline. These conclusions were published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.