A new longitudinal study published in Social Science & Medicine suggests that helping others, both formally through volunteering and informally by supporting friends and neighbours, may be linked to better cognitive function and slower cognitive decline later in life.
The study draws on data from more than 31,000 adults followed for over two decades, and the findings suggest that:
- Transitioning into helping others is associated with higher levels of cognitive function
- Consistent engagement (2–4 hours/week) delivers the most robust cognitive benefits
- Both volunteering and everyday helping behaviours show brain-protective effects
This supports a growing evidence base that brain health isn’t only about diet, sleep, and exercise, but also about meaningful social and cognitive activity, factors that build “cognitive reserve” and counteract ageing processes in the brain.
For us at Executive Health, it’s a clear example of how long-term lifestyle choices and social interaction are central components of a longevity perspective on brain health, it’s not just how long we live, but how long our brains function well.
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