Effects of Participation in Volunteer Activities on CD34⁺ Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Aging populations face health challenges, and volunteering may improve health outcomes. This study investigated the relationship between volunteering, CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells, and health indicators in older adults. The sample included 91 participants aged 65 to 75, with 52 reporting prior volunteering involvement. Evaluations comprised the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Mini-Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating scale, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Blood analyses measured CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells and CD34+ lymphocytes. Multiple linear regression assessed variations in CD34+ counts and related metrics among groups, adjusting for confounding factors. Volunteers exhibited enhanced cognitive functioning and lower depression levels compared to non-volunteers, as reflected in GDS scores of 4.29 ± 4.18 versus 8.26 ± 5.09 (p < .001). Furthermore, volunteers had notably elevated CD34+ stem cell and lymphocyte counts, suggesting volunteering positively influences this health marker. Participation in volunteer activities is linked to improved cognitive abilities, reduced depressive symptoms, and heightened CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell levels. Findings underscore the potential health benefits of volunteering for older adults, necessitating further investigation into the mechanisms and enduring effects of volunteerism on health, with CD34+ cell counts identified as a significant biomarker for cognitive and emotional health enhancements in this population.