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<p>Human beings are social by nature.</p><p>Even the most introverted among us need to establish bonds and relationships as part of our development and self-identification process.</p><p>But social interaction has implications that reach well beyond a basic need to spend time with family and friends; it can also have a significant impact on health. Furthermore, healthcare entities that realize this have begun to make socialization an important part of care models, especially those that cater to older adults. A 2018 article in Medical News Today points out the benefits of in-person contact among humans, including the release of neurotransmitters oxytocin and dopamine, which can lower stress levels and physical pain in people of all ages.</p><p>The piece also examines a class of people referred to as &#8220;SuperAgers,&#8221; defined as those aged 80 and older who have the cognitive ability of significantly younger human beings. When compared to people in the same age-range who exhibit average mental agility, the SuperAgers showed a high regard for meaningful social relationships.</p><p>People who interact in groups tend to bring the best out of one another in terms of wellness. Frequent physical activity, healthy eating habits and general mindfulness can be practices that result from the support and encouragement of family and friends; and in our older population, that can translate to a reduction in cases of chronic conditions like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.</p><p>Happiness, if it can be truly measured, is another factor that can be associated with bonds to partners, friends and family. In both teenagers and older adults, a tendency toward positive social relationships has been correlated with lower rates of anxiety and depression and overall life satisfaction.</p><p>Much of the evidence referenced in the Medical News Today article is corroborated by the National Institutes of Health&#8217;s (NIH) National Institute on Aging (NIA).</p><p>The NIA examined multiple pieces of research to establish consistent correlations between socialization and good health. By analyzing the associations between social relationships and certain biomarkers, the NIA found lower levels of interleukin-6 in people who displayed social well-being. An agent of inflammation, high levels of interleukin-6 have been shown to correspond with Alzheimer&#8217;s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers.</p><p>Grandparents who have a hand in caring for their grandchildren, the NIA indicates, testify they live more active lifestyles and feel generally healthier. A better diet and even reduction or cessation of smoking can be the results of the strong emotional bonds they form with their grandkids.</p><p>In contrast, social isolation in the older population is considered a significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Loneliness can affect more than mental health; it can have a physical impact, such as elevating systolic blood pressure.</p><p>So, we know that meaningful social relationships can contribute to better health for everyone, but they are particularly important for those 65 and older who might have smaller social circles or limited capability to travel throughout their communities as they age. And that population is growing quickly as the tail-end of the baby boomer generation turns 65.</p><p>In places where that demographic accounts for high percentages of the population, socialization is becoming a modality of care for many providers and health systems. Older-adult programs and primary care models in the Southeast, Southwest and West Coast regions are weaving group exercise, group wellness and social activities into their spectrum of services.</p><p>Daily activities that promote health, wellness and social interaction are integral elements in the Life Geisinger and Geisinger 65 Forward programs &#8230; and, of course, in the &#8220;play with your granddaughters program&#8221; run by Rowan and Evie.</p><style>
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<div class="neCaption">Casale </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/web1_casale_edit.jpg</photo0><caption0>Casale </caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Alfred Casale</p><p>To Your Health</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Dr. Alfred Casale, a cardiothoracic surgeon, is associate chief medical officer for Geisinger and chair of the Geisinger Heart Institute. Readers may write to him via ae@www.timesleader.com. For a free heart risk assessment, visit geisinger.org/heartrisk.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Dr. Casale: Health benefits of socialization