Connections between brain health and community service

“ Being physically and socially active are two of the biggest predictors of long term brain health. As we age, there are some very interesting benefits to volunteering which is good for many of you here.” -- Dr. Matt Balcarras
 
Highlights from a presentation by Dr. Matt Balcarras on learning, decision making and attention and how does the brain work when it comes to these processes? A layman’s view of this interesting perspective on how we think. In our commitment to Service Above Self, then, how does our health, as Rotarians, benefit?
 
  
   
Myth: left brain/right brain traits  
  
Myth: we only use 10% of our brains  
  
The brain is a part of your body. We often think of our brains and then our bodies as separate, but our brains are just part of our bodies. The things that are good for your bodies are good for your brains.
 
In 2012 researchers published the results of a large study. It found a significant reduction in mortality among older people when they volunteered. Not only that, the best results were associated with those people who were motivated to volunteer out of a desire to help others. I am sure you are encouraged, but not surprised, to hear about this result.
 
As a society we have long thought that it is good to be community-oriented and to contribute to the greater good. This research merely confirms our hunches. As you get older you are more likely to live well if you live for more than just yourself.