Dr. Tammy Haynes

I’ve been reflecting these past few weeks ringing in the new year with friends and quietly thanking some old friends who died over the holidays for being a part of my community. I’m truly grateful to have a community, a circle of friends and family, that provide love, vibrance and check you when you need it. This one life we are living now is extremely short in the grand scheme of things. Finding the communities that encourage, uplift, challenge, bring joy and sit with you in times of trouble is integral in living vibrantly.  

Human beings are inherently social creatures, and community plays a vital role in our psychological and physical well-being. Beyond providing companionship and emotional support, being part of a community has profound neuropsychological benefits that directly influence brain health and longevity. Sit with me for a bit as we explore how community connections boost cognitive function, reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, and extend life expectancy, with actionable tips to harness these benefits.

Neuropsychological Benefits of Community

1. Cognitive Resilience and Neuroprotection

Being part of a social network stimulates mental activity, which is essential for maintaining cognitive resilience. Social interactions challenge the brain by requiring memory, attention, language, and executive function skills. Engaging with others can:

• Delay the onset of dementia by promoting cognitive reserve.
• Enhance synaptic plasticity, which is critical for learning and memory.
• Protect against brain atrophy by keeping the mind active and engaged.

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (2021) found that older adults with strong social ties had a 23% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who were socially isolated.

2. Reduction in Stress and Inflammation

Loneliness and social isolation are associated with increased cortisol levels, leading to chronic stress and inflammation—two major risk factors for cognitive decline. Being part of a supportive community can:

• Regulate stress hormones like cortisol.
• Boost the release of oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” which has neuroprotective effects.
• Reduce systemic inflammation, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.

A meta-analysis in Psychological Science (2018) concluded that strong social connections significantly reduce levels of inflammation and stress markers.

3. Emotional Regulation and Mental Health

Community engagement enhances emotional well-being by fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Just being with or living for one person or one group of people have reduced suicide rates tremendously. I cant tell you how many people I’ve met whose sole cause of not ending their life is the fact that they have other people to live for, other people that they couldn’t and wouldn’t even think of leaving behind. This purpose alone:

• Reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are linked to cognitive decline.
• Promotes positive emotions, which have been shown to boost neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons).

A study in Nature Human Behaviour (2020) found that individuals who engaged in social activities experienced a marked improvement in emotional regulation and overall mental health.

4. Increased Neurotransmitter Activity

Social interactions stimulate the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are crucial for:

• Motivation and reward processing.
• Regulating mood and preventing cognitive impairment.

Findings from the Harvard Study of Adult Development suggest that fulfilling relationships are a better predictor of happiness and brain health than wealth or fame.

Community provides purpose and meaning, balances our inner world with the outside and gives us safe harbor when we need it the most. Look around at the people who make up your community (you can have several depending on activities or interests). Choose your people and if your community is doing more harm than good, make space, explore other communities and know there is always abundance in the right community.

Walk Good RB. One love and live vibrantly.