Abstract

Abstract Despite the burgeoning literature linking social integration and cognitive function, studies that focus on the potential cognitive benefits associated with friendships are limited. Using eight waves of nationally representative data from the Health and Retirement Study (1998-2012), we investigated whether two distinct forms of social interaction with friends—(1) getting together for a chat/social visit and (2) providing informal helping to friends—were associated with cognitive function (assessed with a modified version of the Telephone Interview for Cognition Status) among individuals aged 50 and older (person N = 29,951) over a 14-year observation period. Multilevel models revealed robust evidence for within-person linkages between both forms of social interaction with friends and better cognitive function. The study findings are discussed in the context of declining social interaction with one’s friends reported over the past several decades in the United States, which are partly driven by increasing leisure trends characterized by in-home entertainment.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.