#socalization

I chose this article by Harvard about how important socializing is even at an older age for your mental health and memory. Research findings are showing ways to delay memory loss by simply socializing more.

In the article Pope analyzes the information on memory loss in the older generation. Pope discussed some factors that come into play on a healthy brain. “Those who had the fewest years of formal education appeared to have the most to gain from an active social life as they aged. The study showed that the protective effect of social integration was greatest among individuals with fewer than 12 years of education” (Parker-Pope, 2008). Therefore, the less schooling you have the less likely your mind will decline. Socialization “the process by which individuals internalize values, beliefs, and norms of a given society and learn to function as a member of society” (Conley, 2017, p.118). Have you ever noticed children that are shy and will not talk to someone or have a hard time socializing? They usually have not been socialized with other children or put into social situations with others. Or when an older stray dog that has never met another dog may shy away or show aggression, it is because they were never socialized correctly as a puppy. If a person does not socialize when they are older they sort of go into a shell and do not want to come out or want to talk to other people.

Someone older should want to keep the brain guessing and active to prevent memory loss or deterioration. I would say this could be a form of resocialization defined as “the process by which one’s sense of social values, beliefs, and norms are reengineered” (Conley, 2017, p.131). If someone loses a loved one they can become depressed which could lead to not talking to anyone or going out of the house. This is an example of a situation of what can effect a person’s mental health. I know when my grandfather passes away I became depressed and did not want to go to work, let alone talk to anyone. 

Right now I know there is not a cure for memory loss. Researchers are coming up with trial and error for treating Alzheimer’s and dementia. All we can do is train our brains and keep our body healthy in order to live longer and stay wise and stay socialized.

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Reference

Conley, D. (2017). You May Ask Yourself. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.