Recent U.S. research has shown that regularly helping others—even just a few hours a week—can significantly slow age‑related cognitive decline in middle‑aged and older adults. Over a 20‑year follow‑up of more than 30,000 participants, the study found a 15–20 % reduction in memory loss. The most pronounced benefits appeared with 2–4 hours of weekly assistance, and informal support was as effective as formal volunteering.
Professor Sai Huang Han of the University of Texas noted:
"Cognitive benefits from helping accumulate over time, and informal aid is as effective as organized volunteering."
The study also warned that complete withdrawal from helping accelerates cognitive deterioration, underscoring the need to encourage seniors to stay engaged in community activities. These findings reinforce the idea that volunteering and community involvement should be treated as public‑health preventive measures, especially as societies age and the risk of dementia rises.
