Senior Spotlight: Kindness Linked To Improved Longevity & Cognitive Function

For years the Bobbi Decker Real Estate Team has talked about living longer and living better. Research now proves that statement almost to a science, as generosity and kindness are now linked to a longer lifespan and boosted cognitive function. A recent article from Next Avenue reveals how Baby Boomers are driven to make meaningful contributions - and that the silver lining isn’t just what that does for others, but how it benefits their own health. Similarly, a Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health article shared research earlier this year that regular volunteer work and engagement improved physical health and longevity.

Generosity

Did you know that the brain loves to give? According to Next Avenue, the act of giving triggers the brain’s reward system and releases the feel-good chemicals dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. These pathways are linked to joy, motivation and longevity. In addition, a study of brain scans in 2020 showed that small acts of giving temporarily sharpen cognitive function and increase blood flow to the brain. Last but not least, generosity quiets the brain’s amygdala, or alarm system that manages stress and fear. When we demonstrate compassion, our brain actually becomes less reactive, lowering stress and improving memory, focus and clarity.

Kindness

Did you know that being kind and feeling for others builds brainpower? Empathy activates the circuits in the brain that help us understand and connect with others. The more we use these circuits and practice empathy, the more we grow our intuition and social awareness. Moreover, practicing acts of kindness can reduce depression and anxiety – sometimes as much as or more than traditional therapy.

Volunteerism

When you put kindness and generosity together and into action – the result is often volunteering! Giving of time and positive energy is shown to benefit the giver as much as the receiver. Harvard data supports that older adults who volunteered 15 hours a week tutoring and mentoring youth demonstrated better memory and increased mobility and strength. The Longitudinal Study of Aging (LSOA) conducted 20 years ago tested varying combinations of volunteer work frequency and time of death and after adjusting for other variables, found that frequent volunteers had significantly reduced mortality compared to non-volunteers.

There is SO much more that could be shared about how kindness, generosity and volunteer work support mental, physical and overall well-being. While the vast majority of those who choose to give do it for others – there is a sense of comfort and gratitude that what we offer is returned to us in the best gift possible: our health. May we never take it for granted.

Resources Used: Wired for Kindness: 8 Ways Generosity Can Boost Your Cognitive and Mental Health; Kindness linked to better physical health, longevity; The importance of connections: Ways to live a longer, healthier life; Volunteering is Associated with Delayed Mortality in Older People: Analysis of the Longitudinal Study of Aging

Cheers to living longer & living better – for ourselves & others,

Bobbi  

Bobbi Decker
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