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NSF-BSF: How novel social interactions affect the aging brain — NSF Award to University of Southern California (CA, $698,115)

This project tests whether simple, novel social activities like storytelling, improvisation, or light-hearted conversations can help the brain stay sharp and boost thinking skills in older adults. Early findings show that these moments improve memory, attention, and mood. This project examines brain activity, body resp

Award titleNSF-BSF: How novel social interactions affect the aging brain
Award ID2522488
AwardeeUniversity of Southern California
CityLOS ANGELES
StateCA
Amount obligated$698,115
Principal investigatorMara Mather
ProgramDS -Developmental Sciences, Cognitive Neuroscience
Start date09/01/2025
AbstractThis project tests whether simple, novel social activities like storytelling, improvisation, or light-hearted conversations can help the brain stay sharp and boost thinking skills in older adults. Early findings show that these moments improve memory, attention, and mood. This project examines brain activity, body responses, and thinking ability before and after such interactions to understand effects on the aging brain. The goal is to turn scientific discoveries into easy-to-use tools that care
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