Altruism, Volunteering and Cognitive Performance Among Older Adults: A 2-Year Longitudinal Study

The effect of social exclusion on the cognitive health of middle-aged and older adults: A systematic review

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the independent and joint effects of social exclusion in three specific domains-economic, social relations, and civic participation-on the cognitive health of middle-aged and older adults. Longitudinal studies from January 2000 to October 2023 were identified via Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, with sixty-five studies meeting inclusion criteria. The quality of the studies was assessed with Newcastle-Otawa Scale. Analysis revealed a strong association between economic exclusion and cognitive decline, with most studies indicating a significant negative impact. Ten studies found a positive link between volunteering and cognitive health for civic participation, while eight did not, showing mixed evidence. In social relations, most studies connected loneliness, social isolation, smaller social networks, reduced contact with family and friends, lower engagement in activities, and negative social interactions with cognitive decline. Notably, one study found that older adults experiencing social exclusion in multiple domains simultaneously face even greater cognitive decline. In summary, this review shows that social exclusion in economic, social relations, and civic participation and all together domains is associated with greater cognitive decline in older adults.

The Effects of High versus Low Levels of Altruism and Volunteering on the 4-Year Follow-Up Cognitive Performance of Community-Dwelling Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

Currently, there is a growing interest on the benefits of volunteering. Nevertheless, there is scarce evidence for non-volunteering altruistic behaviors. This study aims to investigate the role of both altruism and volunteering on the cognitive performance of older individuals followed for four years.

METHODS

This was cohort study carried out in 180 Brazilian older adults assessed in three different timepoints (baseline [2015-2016], 2 years of follow-up [2017-2018] and 4 years of follow-up [2019-2020]). Composite cognitive score was calculated based on the Mini-Mental State Examination, Verbal Fluency, Clock-Drawing test, and CERAD Word-List. Altruism was assessed through the Self-reported Altruism Scale and self-reported volunteering status. Mixed ANCOVAS were performed.

RESULTS

For altruism, there were significant differences in all time points (Baseline, 2 years and 4 years) favoring higher cognitive scores for higher levels of altruism. However, no differences were observed for volunteering in all time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Having higher levels of altruism was significantly associated with better cognitive scores.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Altruism, even without volunteering, seem to have positive effects on the cognitive functioning of older adults. Health professionals who take care of older adults might take account of the presence or absence of altruistic behaviors of their patients in their formulations and recommendations.

Association between formal social participation and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults: a longitudinal study using SHARE data

Formal social participation significantly impacts health and well-being, potentially mitigating cognitive decline, although not consistently across all studies. Existing research often focuses solely on baseline participation levels, and age-related differences have primarily been explored among the Asian population. Therefore, this longitudinal study aims to assess the association between formal social participation and cognition across different age groups in individuals aged 50+ living in Europe and Israel, while capturing the dynamic nature of formal social participation. We use data from three waves (four, six, and eight) of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), comprising 85,601 respondents. Linear mixed-effects models were applied. The results show that participation in formal social activities mitigates cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults, especially among those aged 70 to 79 and 80+. These findings support the need for social policies promoting formal social activities, for lasting cognitive health benefits.

Is Formal Social Participation Associated with Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies

This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to explore the association between formal social participation and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults using data from longitudinal studies. A comprehensive search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science for longitudinal studies that assessed the association between formal social participation and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults published between January 2010 to 19 August 2022. Risk of bias was judged using the RoBANS tool. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model was computed with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for cognitive decline probability. Sensitivity analyses were made to explore any changes to the pooled statistical heterogeneity and pooled effect size. Certainty of evidence was judged using the GRADE framework. We included 15 studies comprising 136,397 participants from 5 countries. Meta-analyses showed that formal social participation was associated with reduced cognitive decline (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.75-0.82, p < 0.001), with very low certainty of evidence. Formal social participation appears to enhance cognition in middle-aged and older adults, but further high-quality research is needed given the very low certainty of evidence.

The relationship between volunteering and cognitive performance in older adults: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aims to examine the relationship between cognition and volunteering in older adults, with a specific focus on domain-specific outcomes.

METHODS

In April 2023, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus. The inclusion criteria for the study were limited to longitudinal studies or randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The quality and risk of bias of the included articles were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT).

RESULTS

Out of 3575 articles retrieved, 17 studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. The majority of these studies were conducted in high-income countries. Of the 17 studies reviewed, 16 found a positive association between volunteering and cognitive benefits.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of seventeen studies meeting the predefined inclusion criteria suggests a potential positive correlation between volunteering and cognitive function among older adults. Some demographic factors such as gender and education level were observed to have an influence on this relationship. It was found that older adults who engage in volunteering may exhibit better episodic memory, working memory, and verbal fluency compared to non-volunteers. However, due to limitations in the existing research and variations across studies, further investigation is needed to establish definitive conclusions.

The role of spirituality and religiosity on the cognitive decline of community-dwelling older adults: a 4-year longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to assess whether having religious beliefs, attending religious services and using spiritual-religious coping (SRC) are longitudinally associated with cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

A 4-year longitudinal study of 261 Brazilian older adults was conducted. Hierarchical adjusted linear regression models and logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the longitudinal effects of religious beliefs, church attendance and positive and negative SRC on cognitive decline.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that spiritual and religious beliefs at baseline could affect cognitive function in two different ways. When older adults use religiosity and spirituality (RS) in a functional positive manner, it results in better cognitive outcomes and a slower rate of decline. However, when used in a negative manner, it results in worse cognitive outcomes.

CONCLUSION

These results could help health care professionals address SRC among older adults, particularly those at a higher risk of cognitive decline. Considering that RS is very important for older adults, health care professionals should be aware of the beliefs of their patients and address RS in clinical practice.

Increased Financial Altruism is Associated with Alzheimer's Disease Neurocognitive Profile in Older Adults

BACKGROUND

Older age is associated with an increase in altruistic behaviors such as charitable giving. However, few studies have investigated the cognitive correlates of financial altruism in older adults.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the cognitive correlates of financial altruism measured using an altruistic choice paradigm in a community-based sample of older adults.

METHODS

In the present study, a sample of older adults (N = 67; M age = 69.21, SD = 11.23; M education years = 15.97, SD = 2.51; 58.2% female; 71.6% Non-Hispanic White) completed a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and an altruistic choice paradigm in which they made decisions about allocating money between themselves and an anonymous person.

RESULTS

In multiple linear regression analyses that controlled for age, education, and sex, financial altruism was negatively associated with performance on cognitive measures typically sensitive to early Alzheimer's disease (including word list learning and recall, delayed story recall, and animal fluency).

CONCLUSION

Findings of this study point to a negative relationship between financial altruism and cognitive functioning in older adults on measures known to be sensitive to Alzheimer's disease. Findings also point to a potential link between financial exploitation risk and Alzheimer's disease in older age.

Level of participation in public health volunteering and its determinants among ministry of health primary health care workers in Jeddah 2019

Context:

Volunteering is an important practice for health care systems globally and contributes to the development of health care services as well.

Aims:

To estimate the level of participation in public health volunteering and its determinants among healthcare workers in ministry of health primary care sector, Jeddah.

Settings and Design:

A randomized quantitative cross-sectional self-administered survey involving all primary healthcare workers in 15 centers.

Methods and Material:

The survey included socio-demographics and 33 determinants of volunteering (values, career development, enhancement, social, and protection) ranked by importance using a seven-point scale. The research committee of the joint program for family medicine in Jeddah validated the survey. Primarily we evaluated the level of participation in public health volunteering. Secondary endpoints were perception of the importance of volunteering determinants among participants, correlation between volunteering and independent socio-demographic variables, and any attribute of volunteering determinants.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Descriptive analyses using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 24.

Results:

231 consenting participants filled the survey. Most of the participants were Saudi citizens, predominantly female, bachelor or higher degree holders, and married. Out of 227 respondents, 98 (43%) declared volunteering in the previous year. Only the age was positively correlated to volunteering significantly. Respondents significantly perceived the 33 attributes of the questionnaire as “extremely, very, or somewhat important.” Determinants like values, enhancement, and social were significant predictors of volunteering but not career development or protection.

Conclusions:

Volunteering complements healthcare resources in coping with emergent situations like COVID-19 pandemic. More efforts are required to bring awareness toward volunteering opportunities in Saudi healthcare sector.

Factors associated with successful aging in Brazilian community-dwelling older adults: When physical health is not enough

OBJECTIVES

To determine the main factors (physical, psychological, social and spiritual) associated with successful aging in community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of older adults was conducted evaluating successful aging (Successful Aging Scale-SAS) and its associated factors (sociodemographics, resilience, religiosity/spirituality, meaning in life, quality of life, social support, self-reported diseases, mental health, medications used, among others) using regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 534 older adults were assessed. Linear regression models showed an association of higher SAS score with greater resilience (Beta = 0.371, p < 0.001), spiritual well-being - meaning (Beta = 0.174, p < 0.001) and quality of life - physical (Beta=0.203, p < 0.001), fewer diseases (Beta=-0.128, p < 0.001), greater meaning in life (Beta=0.116, p = 0.001), less loneliness (Beta=-0.133, p = 0.001), lower tobacco use (Beta=0.080, p = 0.013), greater quality of life - environment (Beta=-0.092, p = 0.013) and more frequent religious attendance (Beta=0.068, p = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

The study results suggested that physical factors, although relevant, were not the main factors associated with successful aging.