By Neuroscience News –
A decade-long study of over 1,500 older adults reveals that socially enriched networks, marked by diverse and active relationships, are strongly linked to better health outcomes later in life. In contrast, those with restricted networks, often limited to family and shaped by isolation, reported significantly worse health and were less likely to improve their social ties over time.
Focused networks offered emotional closeness but lacked the health benefits of broader connection. Encouragingly, some individuals transitioned into more enriched networks, suggesting social mobility is possible with the right support.
