How kids can keep you young

Research shows that being around young people can actually keep you feeling and acting young! Robin Miller, M.D. talks in this video about how volunteering in an elementary classroom affects aging.

Transcript

00:00

When older adults helped out in elementary school classrooms, there were plenty of positive results for the kids and even better results for the adults.

00:08

Many studies have found that staying physically active can keep your brain sharp. [UPBEAT MUSIC]

00:19

[VOCALIZING] Hi. I'm Dr. Miller.

00:25

Here's a surprising anti-aging tip for you. Go back to school. Don't go back as a student, but as a volunteer.

00:32

When older adults helped out in elementary school classrooms, there were plenty of positive results for the kids and even better results for the adults.

00:40

Many studies have found that staying physically active, socially connected, and mentally stimulated can keep your brain sharp.

00:47

In one study, all those things were put together when women over the age of 60 volunteered in the classroom for 15 hours a week.

00:54

After six months, researchers found that the volunteers' brains showed increased activity in the prefrontal cortex.

01:01

That's the part of your brain that often declines with age. These benefits weren't seen in a similar group of women who didn't volunteer.

01:08

Volunteering and being around other people can truly give meaning and purpose to your life. That benefits your mood and your memory.

01:15

Plus, being in a room full of kids gives you no choice but to be physically active. I'm Dr. Miller. For more ways to live younger, watch all our smart tips

01:24

right here. [AUDIO LOGO]