Here’s a study that made me say, “duh!”, when I first read it. Since the linkage seemed so obvious. Like a study proving that water is wet. But gathering evidence to try to “prove” or “disprove” the things we just assume to be true is a good thing.
From “Volunteering May Prevent the Elderly from Becoming Frail“…
Frailty is a geriatric condition marked by weight loss, low energy and strength, and low physical activity. UCLA researchers followed 1,072 healthy adults aged 70 to 79 between 1988 and 1991 to determine if productive activities — specifically volunteering, paid work and child care — prevent the onset of frailty.
[...]
The study suggests that participating in volunteer activities may prevent frailty in older adults. A randomized trial is needed to determine whether volunteering itself prevents the onset of frailty, or if there is something about the types of people who volunteer regularly that keeps them from becoming frail.
(Link)
Tags: Elderly, Exercising, Health