Over a span of 20 years, more than 30,000 Americans over the age of 51 were studied. It was found that those who actively help others maintain mental clarity for a longer period compared to their peers. Their rate of cognitive decline was found to be 15-20% lower.
Interestingly, helping others does not have to be limited to volunteering. Simple actions, such as assisting neighbors, friends, or family members, have the same effect. For example, driving someone to a doctor’s appointment, watching over children, helping with taxes, or mowing the lawn—all of these positively impact brain health.
“Daily acts of support, whether in an organized form or in personal relationships, can have a lasting positive effect on cognitive abilities,” comments Sae Hwan Han, the lead researcher.
The optimal amount of time for such assistance is between two to four hours per week. Moreover, the cumulative effect manifests over time with consistent participation. At the same time, a refusal to help others can lead to accelerated cognitive decline.
The researchers believe that the mechanism of influence involves several aspects. Helping others reduces levels of chronic stress and inflammatory processes that negatively affect the brain, while simultaneously strengthening social connections necessary for psychological and emotional support.
The results of the study were published in the journal Social Science & Medicine and received funding from the National Institute on Aging in the U.S.
According to researcher Han, these findings are particularly relevant for an aging society facing the issues of loneliness and social isolation among older citizens. “Many elderly people with health problems are still capable of making meaningful contributions to society, and they can benefit the most from the opportunity to help others,” he emphasizes.
