Studies have been focusing on volunteering as most of the population with the greatest risk of dementia – people over age 65 – is no longer working. One study, by Swedish and European researchers, found that Swedes between 65 and 69 who volunteer had a "significant decrease in cognitive complaints," compared with the non-volunteers. The study highlighted how volunteering might reduce the symptoms, possibly because it keeps older people more physically and mentally fit. A research team's review of studies on volunteer work found volunteering in later life was associated with psychosocial, physical, cognitive and functional benefits for healthy older adults. The research defined psychosocial well-being as having greater life satisfaction, higher executive function, being happier and having a robust social network. One caveat in the meta-analysis is that getting the cognitive benefits from volunteer work will depend, in part, on a feeling that one's work is being appreciated.
NBHC Population Health