Seputarkarawang.com - Karawang, Keeping your memory sharp as you get older doesn't just depend on physical exercise or a nutritious diet. Based on the latest research released in May 2026, taking the time to help others for at least 2 hours a week has been proven to be effective in reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.This study, published in the journal Social Science & Medicine, highlights that social care activities provide positive stimulation to brain function. The interactions that occur when helping other people can reduce the rate of memory decline due to natural aging by up to ten percent. Health experts say that helping activities do not always have to focus on hard physical work or official volunteer programs. This positive impact also applies to various forms of informal assistance in the living environment.One form of informal assistance is helping to lighten the burden on neighbors, such as helping to clean the yard or caring for plants. This activity has been proven to be able to build good emotional connections in the community.
Apart from that, another form of social support that can be done is providing family assistance. You can take the time to take relatives, parents or family members who want to go to the nearest health facility.Another simple form of caring is caring for family members at home, such as helping to look after children or grandchildren. This not only helps parents at home to have sufficient rest time, but also trains cognitive sharpness through social interaction.These findings prove that emotional support and human relationships are not just ordinary social interactions, but also long-term investments in mental health. By continuing to actively help other people, the brain gets the stimulation needed to prevent dementia in the future.The implementation of these two hours of social activities is considered very flexible and can be adjusted to each individual's daily routine. Through these simple steps, middle-aged to elderly people can maintain their cognitive fitness for a healthier and more active old age.
