Psychologist Emily Willroth discusses the link between happiness and reducing dementia risk in older adults. Making friends, helping others, and engaging in physical activities can slow cognitive decline, even when the disease has taken hold.
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Quick takeaways
Maintaining high well-being levels can delay dementia effects, emphasizing the importance of promoting happiness at all ages.
Engaging in activities like gratitude practices and mindfulness can protect against cognitive decline and reduce dementia risk.
Social connections, reminiscence therapies, and technology interventions improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia.
Deep dives
Using Smells to Boost Well-Being
Engaging our senses, particularly through smell, can significantly enhance our happiness. Brands like Mrs. Myers offer household products inspired by natural scents, such as lilac and mint, creating a pleasant and refreshing environment at home.
Aging, Happiness, and Dementia Prevention
As life expectancy increases globally, understanding happiness and well-being among older adults gains importance. Research indicates that maintaining high levels of well-being can delay dementia effects, highlighting the significance of promoting happiness across all ages.
Promoting Cognitive Resilience and Preventing Dementia
Studies suggest that individuals with higher well-being levels are less likely to develop dementia later in life. Engaging in activities that boost well-being, such as gratitude practices, mindfulness, and physical activity, can serve as protective factors against cognitive decline.
Technological Innovations for Dementia Care
Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the lives of individuals with dementia, providing assistive tools for safety and autonomy. From GPS tracking to robotic pets, technology-enabled interventions offer opportunities for social connection, cognitive stimulation, and overall well-being.
Fostering Social Connections for Dementia Care
Building social connections through reminiscence therapies, intergenerational interventions, and assistive technologies can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with dementia. These strategies aim to preserve memories, enhance cognitive function, and promote happiness and purpose in those affected by the disease.
Age is the main risk factor for cognitive decline. So with more people around the world living longer, cases of dementia are set to rise. There's currently no cure - but research suggests that happiness can reduce the impact of this awful illness.
Psychologist Emily Willroth helped write a chapter on this topic for the 2024 World Happiness Report - and explains how making friends, helping others and engaging in fun physical activities can slow cognitive decline, even when the disease has taken hold.