b'Understanding and Preventing DementiaThe information the HRS provides is critical to help us understand what puts us at risk for cognitive decline and dementia and how we can help prevent it.VolunteerismVolunteering regularly over time is linked to better cognitive function. Being older, female, and nonwhite, having less education and more sad feelings are all linked with greater risk of developing cognitive problems. Even after taking account of these other risks, volunteering has a positive association with cognitive health.2 37% of HRS participants Definition: volunteer work for religious, volunteered in the past year educational, health-related or other charitable organizationsOptimismPeople who are optimistic and have a partner who is optimistic have better cognitive functioning.3 BabysittingFor some older adults, providing care for grandchildren is associated with better cognitive functioning.4 6'