Helping Behaviors and Cognitive Functioning in Later Life: A Focus on Dose and Asymmetric Effects
2024
Helping Others Can Boost Brain Health in Older Adults
Sample size: 30000
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Han Sae Hwang, Burr Jeffrey, Tucker Julia
Primary Institution: University of Texas at Austin
Hypothesis
Does engaging in helping behaviors improve cognitive functioning in older adults?
Conclusion
Helping others, whether through formal volunteering or informal assistance, is linked to better cognitive functioning and slower cognitive decline in older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Transitioning into formal volunteering and informal helping is associated with better cognitive functioning.
- Moderate levels of helping (approximately 2–4 weekly hours) are linked to robust cognitive benefits.
- The study followed over 30,000 individuals over two decades.
Takeaway
When older people help others, it can make their brains work better and stay healthy longer.
Methodology
The study used longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study and a multilevel modeling approach to analyze the effects of helping behaviors on cognitive functioning.
Participant Demographics
Individuals aged 51 and older.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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