OBJECTIVES: Research on the cognitive benefits of volunteering has largely focused on U.S.-born or general older adult populations, leaving older immigrants understudied despite evidence suggesting that volunteering may protect against cognitive decline. This study examined the longitudinal relationship between volunteering and cognitive functioning among older Chinese immigrants and whether the relationship varies by immigration-related characteristics. METHODS: A prospective cohort design was applied using data from 2,087 older Chinese immigrants aged 60 and above (mean age =75.6) who participated in three waves of the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (Waves 3-5, 2015-2020). Volunteering was measured at Waves 3 and 4. Cognitive functioning was assessed at three waves using a comprehensive battery of cognitive tests. Latent growth curve models and cross-lagged panel models were estimated. RESULTS: At Wave 3, 6.6% of participants reported volunteering through organizations. Volunteering was associated with higher initial cognitive functioning and a slower rate of cognitive decline over time after adjusting for sociodemographic and health covariates. The association was stronger among those migrating at an older age and those with lower levels of acculturation. Cross-lagged analyses indicated that volunteering predicted subsequent cognitive functioning, whereas the reverse association was not statistically significant. DISCUSSION: Organizational volunteering that offers cognitively and socially engaging activities may support cognitive health among older Chinese immigrants. Benefits appear especially salient for those facing greater social and cultural barriers. Findings underscore the importance of culturally responsive volunteer programs that promote meaningful participation in aging immigrant populations.
Tang et al. (Sat,) studied this question.