Recent research indicates a connection between volunteering and a slowdown in biological aging, revealing that individuals who engage in volunteer work exhibit slower biological aging compared to those who do not.
As reported in Health on December 24, 2024, the study, set to be published in the January 2025 issue of Social Science & Medicine, suggests that even volunteering for just one hour a week can aid in slowing biological aging.
The researchers analyzed data self-reported by 2,605 Americans aged 62 and older. They examined how often participants volunteered, noted their employment status, and determined their biological age using advanced tools to measure cellular aging.
Biological age reflects the age of cells and tissues, indicating how quickly or slowly an individual ages compared to their chronological age, which is the total number of years lived.
The findings revealed that individuals volunteering for one to four hours each week experienced slower biological aging than those who did not volunteer. Furthermore, increased volunteer hours correlated with greater health benefits, with more than four hours a week linked to a significant reduction in biological aging acceleration, regardless of employment status.
However, the study acknowledges certain limitations. “Volunteering is not an isolated action,” stated Sajad Zalzala, MD, medical director of AgelessRx, to Health. “To volunteer, one must be in good health, optimistic about humanity, and have sufficient free time and income.”
Experts attribute the health benefits and biological aging slowdown to a combination of physical, social, and psychological advantages associated with volunteering. Firstly, volunteer work often involves physical activities like walking, contributing to healthier aging.
The social connections formed through volunteering also play a crucial role. “We live in a society that tends to be disconnected. Volunteering can provide that social network,” said Zalzala.
Participating in volunteer activities may also reduce stress and enhance cognitive function. “Such experiences help extend our life expectancy,” noted Gary Small, MD, chair of psychiatry at Hackensack University Medical Center.
According to the study's authors, volunteering can foster a sense of purpose, improve mental health, and mitigate the loss of significant roles, such as that of a partner or parent, as one ages. “Volunteering can give us a psychological boost and make individuals feel like they are doing something to make the world a better place,” added Zalzala.