Volunteering Can Boost Cognitive Function in Older Adults, New Research Suggests
A recent study conducted by UC Davis Health has found that engaging in volunteer activities can have significant benefits for the cognitive function of older adults. The research, which involved a diverse group of 2,476 seniors, discovered a positive link between volunteering and improved executive function and episodic memory. The study also revealed that individuals who volunteered multiple times a week had the highest levels of executive function.
The findings of the study were presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2023 in Amsterdam, garnering significant attention in the scientific community. “We hope these new data encourage individuals of all ages and backgrounds to engage in local volunteering — not only to benefit their communities but potentially their own cognitive and brain health,” emphasized Donna McCullough, Alzheimer’s Association chief mission and field operations officer.
Volunteer activities, such as assisting educational, religious, health-related, or charitable organizations, provide older adults with increased physical activity, social interaction, and cognitive stimulation, all of which can protect the brain. However, up until now, little information was available about the relationship between volunteering and cognitive function on a large scale.
The study, conducted by epidemiology doctoral student Yi Lor and principal investigator Rachel Whitmer, observed the volunteering habits of an ethnically and racially diverse group of older adults. The participants, who had an average age of 74, included individuals from various backgrounds, with 48% being Black, 20% white, 17% Asian, and 14% Latino. Out of the participants, 43% reported volunteering in the past year.
The research team found that volunteering was associated with better baseline scores on tests of executive function and verbal episodic memory, even after considering factors such as age, sex, education, income, practice effects, and interview mode. Those who volunteered multiple times per week exhibited the highest levels of executive function.
Lor highlighted the potential importance of volunteering in promoting better cognition in late life and its possible role as a protective measure against Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. “Our next steps are to examine whether volunteering is protective against cognitive impairment, and how physical and mental health may impact this relationship,” Lor added.
Although the study showed a trend towards less cognitive decline among volunteers over a 1.2-year follow-up period, this association did not reach statistical significance. However, Rachel Whitmer pointed out that volunteering is about more than just cognitive health. “It’s also about socializing, which keeps you engaged and happy, and potentially lowers stress,” she explained.
The findings of this study highlight the potential benefits that volunteering can have for older adults’ cognitive function and overall brain health. As further research is conducted in this area, it is important to recognize the positive impact that volunteer work can have on individuals and communities alike.