Formal volunteering

Formal volunteering predicts subjective memory in humans.

“only formal volunteering predicting subsequent subjective memory, but not informal volunteering.”

Humans10 yearsn = 14,521

Directions in the longitudinal relationship between volunteering and memory function in older adults: A 10-year perspective

Psychology and aging·6 Apr 2026

Formal volunteering is associated with cognitive function in humans.

“transitioning into volunteering and informal helping were both associated with a higher level of cognitive function and a slower cognitive decline”

Humanstransitioning into volunteeringn = 31,303

Helping behaviors and cognitive function in later life: The impact of dynamic role transitions and dose changes

Social science & medicine (1982)·31 Jul 2025

Formal volunteering is associated with current memory rating in humans (p < .05).

“Results indicated that for heterosexual older adults, formal volunteering was positively associated with current memory rating (p < .05).”

Humansheterosexual older adults

Formal and Informal Volunteering Among Older Adults: Associations With Health Across Sexual Orientations

International journal of aging & human development·17 Jul 2025