The Association Between Volunteering and Memory: Does Wealth Matter?
Alanna Frost

TL;DR
Volunteering is linked to better memory in older adults, but wealth does not change this relationship.
Contribution
This study is the first to examine whether wealth moderates the link between volunteering and memory.
Findings
Volunteers have higher episodic memory scores than non-volunteers.
Higher wealth is associated with better episodic memory scores.
Wealth does not moderate the relationship between volunteering and memory.
Abstract
The benefits of volunteering and cognitive function have been explored in recent years. Although several studies have studied this relationship, no studies have examined the effect of an essential element of socioeconomic status (SES), wealth, for the relationship between volunteering and elements of cognitive function, specifically episodic memory. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate (1) whether volunteering is associated with memory, (2) whether wealth is related to memory, and (3) whether wealth moderates the relationship between volunteering and memory. The present study utilized a nationally representative sample of 8,075 respondents aged 60 years and older, who completed both the 2020 and 2022 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Results from linear regression models revealed that older adults who volunteer have higher episodic memory scores than those who…
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Taxonomy
TopicsHealth disparities and outcomes · Nonprofit Sector and Volunteering · Aging and Gerontology Research
