Helping Others Slows Cognitive Decline, Says New Research

Helping Others Slows Cognitive Decline, Says New Research
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A new study from the University of Texas at Austin has found that helping others can slow age-related cognitive decline by 15% to 20%, Earth.com reported. The research, published in the journal Social Science & Medicine, followed over 30,000 U.S. adults for more than two decades and concluded that the cognitive benefits of helping are cumulative and long-lasting.

The study examined both formal volunteering and informal assistance given to friends, family, and neighbors. It found that even informal helping provides cognitive benefits comparable to formal volunteering. The most significant benefits were observed in individuals who spent two to four hours per week helping others. The research also highlighted that a complete withdrawal from helping activities is associated with a greater decline in cognitive function.

Sae Hwang Han, the lead author of the study, also conducted previous research that found volunteering can protect brain health by mitigating the negative effects of chronic stress on systemic inflammation. The findings suggest that encouraging older adults to continue supporting others could be a low-cost, widely accessible method for preserving cognitive function, which is particularly relevant given the rising rates of dementia. The article concludes that helping others is a mutually beneficial act, strengthening both the community and the individual’s cognitive health.