A recent study revealed that volunteering for even just an hour a week can slow down the aging process. A collaborative research team from Texas A&M University, Michigan State University, and Brown University unveiled the groundbreaking findings. The study will be published in the January 2025 issue of Social Science & Medicine.
The researchers examined 2,605 individuals aged 62 and older, measuring their biological age through DNA methylation analysis and tracking their volunteering habits. DNA methylation, which involves methyl groups attaching to DNA bases, is a key indicator of the aging process. The study found that people who volunteered for one to four hours weekly showed slower biological aging than non-volunteers.
Surprisingly, even just one hour of weekly volunteering positively impacted slowing aging. Those who volunteered for more than four hours experienced the most significant decrease in the aging rate. These results held even after accounting for factors like physical activity, smoking, drinking, and obesity.
The team concluded that volunteering has crucial physical, social, and psychological benefits for healthy aging. Activities like walking, often involved in volunteer work, contribute to this positive effect.
Moreover, the social interactions that come with volunteering help reduce stress and boost cognitive function. In contrast, living in isolation without these social connections can lead to decreased conversation and emotional bonds.
Dr. Gary Small, a psychiatrist at UCLA Medical Center, emphasized that maintaining emotional connections with others is key to longevity. He added that volunteering not only provides a sense of purpose and improves mental health but also helps fill the void left by losing significant roles, such as being a spouse or parent, as we age.
He emphasized that volunteering boosts psychological well-being and makes people feel they’re making the world better. The research team encourages people to volunteer, from mentoring and food sharing to organizing community events and participating in clean-up efforts.
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