The Power of Connection: How Friendships Boost Your Brain by Chrissy Carmody

You may have heard that eating well, exercising, and sleeping enough are key to brain health. But did you know that your social life is just as important? Staying connected with friends, family, and community can actually help keep your brain sharp as you age.

Why Social Connections Matter

Research shows that people with strong social ties have better memory, slower cognitive decline, and even a lower risk of dementia. Engaging with others keeps your brain active, almost like a mental workout that challenges your thinking, emotions, and problem-solving skills. According to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness and isolation are linked with higher risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. Similarly, a 2023 review in Nature Human Behaviour found that social engagement is consistently tied to healthier cognitive aging.

The bottom line? Friends and meaningful interactions aren’t just good for the soul, they’re fuel for your brain!

Fun Ways to Strengthen Social Ties

Not sure where to start? Try these ideas:

• Join a group activity: A walking club, book group, or fitness class keeps both body and brain active. Try Meetup to find people with similar interests and a huge variety of events (https://www.meetup.com/find/us--md--baltimore/)

• Volunteer: Helping others builds purpose and new connections. Try Idealist to find local opportunities. https://www.idealist.org/en/volunteer

• Learn something new—together: Cooking classes, language groups, music classes, or art workshops engage creativity and conversation.

• Make it simple: Even a weekly coffee date, game night, or phone call counts.

  
  

Getting Started

Think small and joyful. Who is one person you could call this week? Is there a local class you’ve been curious about? Your brain thrives on novelty, laughter, and shared moments. Social connections don’t have to be huge commitments; they just need to be meaningful.

So, next time you’re tempted to stay in, remember: meeting up with a friend might be just as important for your brain as your morning crossword or that leafy-green salad.

Chrissy Carmody is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), and holds a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins. She is passionate about helping people get unstuck, build healthier habits, and improve their quality of life through practical, supportive coaching. To connect with Chrissy, email her at chrissy.carmody@gmail.com

Sources:

• National Institute on Aging. (2021). Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks. https://www.nia.nih.gov

• Evans, I. E. M., et al. (2023). Social relationships and cognitive ageing: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nature Human Behaviour. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-023-01502-8