Quick bits

Volunteering has been linked to better mood and less stress, and scientists in the Journal of the

American Geriatrics Society now report it can safeguard brainpower for years as well. In a study of 13,262 adults, those who volunteered just four or more times over the 14-year study were 258 percent more likely to retain their cognitive power than those who didn’t give their time. Study author Frank Infurna, Ph.D., says volunteering promotes mental, social and physical activity and compassion eases inflammation linked to cognitive slowdown.