Social support, cognition, and mental health among older people in China: A longitudinal life course study.

Summary: Having good friends and a caring neighborhood when you are young can keep your brain sharp and your mood happy when you get older! A large study in China followed people over many years to see how their social lives affected their health. It found that growing up in a supportive neighborhood boosted brain power and lowered sadness later in life. Amazingly, this was true even for people who grew up poor. The secret? Keeping strong social ties throughout your life is a great way to protect your mind as you age!