A collaborative study by Karolinska Institutet and Radboud University Medical Center, published in Innovation in Aging, tracked nearly 3,000 older adults in Kungsholmen, Stockholm over 15 years to assess changes in cognitive ability, daily functioning, and social health. While most participants remained stable across these areas, smaller groups showed faster or uneven declines, with some experiencing cognitive deterioration and others facing difficulties in daily activities at different rates. The study aimed to determine whether these aspects of aging progress together or diverge over time, as highlighted by researchers Anna Marseglia and Amaia Calderón Larrañaga.

The researchers further examined social health, including social activities, connections, and support, finding that older adults with fewer leisure activities or weaker social ties were more likely to experience declines in cognition or daily functioning. Notably, one subgroup maintained independence in daily life despite cognitive decline and reported increasing social support over time. Anna Marseglia noted that this pattern suggests social support from family, friends, or the community may help compensate for declining cognitive abilities, highlighting its potential role in preserving functional independence, although further research is needed to confirm this effect.

The study also observed gender differences, with women more likely than men to maintain stable social connections over time. By identifying subgroups with different patterns of decline and examining how environmental support influences cognitive and functional changes, the researchers aim to better determine who may benefit from earlier or more targeted interventions. Anna Marseglia emphasized that social health extends beyond participation alone, encompassing multiple dimensions that change at different rates and are influenced by factors such as stress, chronic disease burden, and lifestyle. The authors further noted that aging is not a uniform process, and understanding these diverse trajectories may help families, healthcare providers, and policymakers better support healthy aging.
source: https://news.ki.se/social-support-may-help-older-adults-stay-independent-despite-cognitive-decline