Helping Others Linked to Better Brain Health in Older Adults

A recent study reveals that assisting others, whether through formal volunteering or informal acts of kindness, may significantly enhance cognitive health in older adults. The research, published in the journal Social Science and Medicine, indicates that middle-aged and older individuals who engage in helping others experience a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those who do not participate in such activities.

Researchers examined data from over 30,000 adults aged 51 and older in the United States, tracking their brain health from 1998 to 2020. The study explored the effects of both formal helping, like volunteering with organizations, and informal helping, such as aiding a neighbor or friend outside the home. Findings suggest that both forms of assistance correlate with improved cognitive function and a reduced rate of cognitive decline in later years.

Key Findings on Cognitive Health

According to the study, even minimal involvement in helping others—between two to four hours per week—can yield considerable benefits for brain health. “The cognitive benefits of helping others weren’t just short-term boosts but cumulative over time with sustained engagement,” noted Sae Hwang Han, an assistant professor at the University of Texas and one of the study’s authors. This conclusion challenges the assumption that informal helping offers fewer health benefits due to its lack of social recognition.

Han expressed surprise at the findings, stating, “It provides cognitive benefits comparable to formal volunteering.” The results align with previous research that established a positive link between cognitive performance and volunteering, particularly highlighting the advantages for women.

Implications for Older Adults

Despite the promising results, the study is not without limitations. It lacks specific details on the nature of the volunteering activities and relies on self-reported data, preventing definitive claims about cause-and-effect relationships. Nevertheless, the implications for older adults are significant. Han emphasized that staying engaged in community activities can be beneficial for cognitive health.

While volunteering opportunities often target younger individuals, such as those aged 18 to 30 through the European Solidarity Corps, the absence of similar programs for older adults raises concerns. In 2021, the European Commission encouraged older adults to volunteer in its Green Paper on Ageing, focusing primarily on intergenerational cooperation and enhanced self-esteem rather than cognitive health.

Han’s findings suggest a need for systems that promote community engagement among older adults, highlighting the importance of providing necessary support and accommodations to enable continued participation in helping activities. The study advocates for older adults to remain active contributors to their communities, benefiting both themselves and those they assist.