Here’s how sibling relationships affect cognitive health in adulthood

Sibling relationships are often considered secondary to those between parents and children or spouses. However, a study published in Journals of Gerontology: Series B Their important role in long-term cognitive health has been highlighted.

In particular, positive interactions during childhood and maintaining regular contact into adulthood have protective effects on cognitive abilities as we age.

a foundation for the future

Researchers found that positive sibling interactions during childhood, such as mutual support or hugs, promote stronger bonds as adults. These strong ties lead to frequent contact between siblings, which benefits cognitive well-being in old age.

In contrast, negative interactions during childhood, such as arguments or verbal aggression, did not show a direct impact on the quality of relationships in adulthood. This suggests that even relationships marked by conflict can be improved over time, and that the general family environment is more decisive than fleeting conflicts.

important role of adult contact

Another important finding is that frequency of contact with adults has a significant impact on cognitive health. People who maintain regular communication with their siblings – whether by telephone, through visits, or through other means – appear to have better preserved cognitive abilities as they age.

However, emotional closeness showed no direct relationship with cognitive health. It is the regular interactions, rather than the emotional intensity of the relationship, that foster cognition. This suggests that mutual connection, rather than just emotional support, plays an important role in maintaining mental abilities.