Being sociable reduces risk of frailty in later life, study shows

RESEARCH from Newcastle University has found that being sociable can reduce the risk of frailty in elderly people. Going on holiday, reading newspapers, having meals out, and seeing friends and family are also said to contribute to improved health resilience.

- OWEN YOUNGER

Age UK defines frailty as referring to a person’s mental and physical resilience, or their ability to bounce back and recover from illness and injury. Researchers in Newcastle wanted to examine whether social interactions and loneliness had any impact on this.

They examined data on more than 2,000 men over the age of 65, assessed eight years apart, including information on their health and social lives. They were asked how much time they spend with friends and family, play games, participate in clubs, go on holiday, read books or newspapers, eat out at restaurants and attend sporting events.