COGWHEELS #4: Social Engagement

It may surprise you that social engagement is one of the “essential” CogWheels of brain health until you remember that human beings are social animals. We survive and thrive as individuals, and as a species, because of our ability to cooperate with and learn from others. Positive social interactions are essential to our health and wellbeing. 

And, because we are such complex and conflicted beings, social interactions are extremely challenging and are fraught with peril. Negative social interactions that involve abuse, oppression, social isolation and loneliness can trigger a systemic inflammatory response, which leads to a breakdown of the immune system, which ultimately can lead to dementia.   

In these troubled times it is essential that we heal our social rifts - for the good of our bodies and brains and for the good of the country and planet.

Episode #4 Chapters

·      Introduction

·      The Fragility of Our Social Contract

·      We are Social Animals

·      The Dynamics of Social Risk & Protective Factors

·      Risk Factors

·      Abusive Relationships

·      Isolation & Loneliness

·      Protective Factor

·      Conclusion 

Chapters

• 1:06 Introduction
• 1:06 The Fragility of Our Social Contract
• 2:34 We Are Social Animals
• 4:08 The Dynamics of Social Risks & Protections
• 6:26 Risk Factors
• 7:37 Abusive Relationships
• 12:29 Isolation & Loneliness
• 15:31 Protective Factors
• 18:06 Conclusion