Altruism Linked to Slower Cognitive Decline, Study Finds
December 20, 2025374 AufrufeLesezeit: 3 Minuten
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A recent scientific study has revealed an unexpected finding: dedicating just a few hours each week to helping others may be one of the most effective ways to maintain brain health and slow cognitive decline with age, without the need for demanding volunteer commitments or long-term programs.
Two Decades of Tracking Yield Clear Results
The research, conducted by scholars from the University of Texas at Austin in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts in Boston, followed over 30,000 American adults for nearly two decades, utilizing long-term data to observe cognitive changes.
The researchers concluded that individuals who regularly assisted others outside their family demonstrated a slower decline in cognitive abilities compared to those who did not engage in such altruistic behavior.
Just a Few Hours Can Have Lasting Effects
According to the study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine, dedicating two to four hours per week to helping others was associated with a reduction in cognitive degeneration of approximately 15% to 20%.
Notably, this effect was not temporary but cumulative, as the benefits for those who remained altruistic over the years increased.
Lead researcher Sai Huang Han stated, "The cognitive benefits of helping others are not merely short-term psychological improvements, but rather a long-term effect that intensifies with continuity."
Both Formal and Informal Volunteering Matter
The study differentiated between:
organized volunteering (working with organizations and institutions)
informal assistance (supporting neighbors, driving patients, caring for children, or helping with daily tasks)
The findings indicated that both types of assistance offer similar benefits for brain health, challenging the common belief that only formal volunteering has an impact.
Han explained, "Informal assistance is often underestimated, yet it has a significant effect on cognitive abilities."
National Data Enhances Reliability
The researchers utilized the "Health and Retirement Study" database, which has tracked individuals over 51 years old since 1998, considering factors such as:
education
economic status
physical and mental health
Despite controlling for these variables, the link between altruism and the slowing of brain aging remained, while ceasing to help others was associated with a faster cognitive decline.
A Vital Public Health Message
The researchers view these results as confirmation of the importance of social interaction and altruism as part of public health strategies, particularly in light of increasing life expectancy and the rising risks of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Previous research from the same team has also shown that volunteering reduces chronic stress and inflammation levels, which are biologically linked to cognitive decline.
Han concluded, "Many older adults, even those with health issues, are still capable of helping, and they are the groups that benefit the most cognitively from such behavior."
Two Decades of Tracking Yield Clear Results
The research, conducted by scholars from the University of Texas at Austin in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts in Boston, followed over 30,000 American adults for nearly two decades, utilizing long-term data to observe cognitive changes.
The researchers concluded that individuals who regularly assisted others outside their family demonstrated a slower decline in cognitive abilities compared to those who did not engage in such altruistic behavior.
Just a Few Hours Can Have Lasting Effects
According to the study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine, dedicating two to four hours per week to helping others was associated with a reduction in cognitive degeneration of approximately 15% to 20%.
Notably, this effect was not temporary but cumulative, as the benefits for those who remained altruistic over the years increased.
Lead researcher Sai Huang Han stated, "The cognitive benefits of helping others are not merely short-term psychological improvements, but rather a long-term effect that intensifies with continuity."
Both Formal and Informal Volunteering Matter
The study differentiated between:
organized volunteering (working with organizations and institutions)
informal assistance (supporting neighbors, driving patients, caring for children, or helping with daily tasks)
The findings indicated that both types of assistance offer similar benefits for brain health, challenging the common belief that only formal volunteering has an impact.
Han explained, "Informal assistance is often underestimated, yet it has a significant effect on cognitive abilities."
National Data Enhances Reliability
The researchers utilized the "Health and Retirement Study" database, which has tracked individuals over 51 years old since 1998, considering factors such as:
education
economic status
physical and mental health
Despite controlling for these variables, the link between altruism and the slowing of brain aging remained, while ceasing to help others was associated with a faster cognitive decline.
A Vital Public Health Message
The researchers view these results as confirmation of the importance of social interaction and altruism as part of public health strategies, particularly in light of increasing life expectancy and the rising risks of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Previous research from the same team has also shown that volunteering reduces chronic stress and inflammation levels, which are biologically linked to cognitive decline.
Han concluded, "Many older adults, even those with health issues, are still capable of helping, and they are the groups that benefit the most cognitively from such behavior."
