Time for a pop quiz — Which activities in older adults are tied to delaying dementia?

A: Volunteering

B: Dining out

C: Attending church, or

D: All of the above

If you said D, all of the above, then … bingo! You are correct. Incidentally, playing bingo is another activity that can help stave off dementia.

A recent study from Rush University in Chicago reveals that older adults who regularly engaged in social activities developed dementia five years later than those who were less social. The most social seniors developed dementia around age 92, while the less social participants showed signs of the disease around age 87.

Similar results were seen in those who developed mild cognitive impairment. The most social group showed signs at age 79, while the least social group did so at age 74.

The study also found that those who were more socially active had a 38% lower overall risk of developing dementia.

Researchers focused on several common social activities, things like traveling, volunteering, visiting friends and family, attending religious services, or even playing bingo.

The research shows that delaying the onset of dementia for five years would save around $500,000 in health care costs per person and increase life expectancy by about three years.

While not everyone can be a social butterfly, the study suggests plenty of activities to choose from. Diving into a volunteer organization may feel daunting but visiting with family is just as effective.

Bonus question: Does just about any social activity contribute to staving off dementia in older adults? If you said yes: Bingo!