A 2015 experimental study, ͞Impact of the Baltimore Experience Corps Trial on cortical and hippocampal volumes,͟ (Carlson et al., 2015) showed that purposeful activity embedded within a social health promotion program halted and, in men, reversed declines in brain volume in regions vulnerable to dementia. Women also exhibited modest intervention-specific gains that contrasted with declines among women in the control group.

A 2015 experimental study, ͞The Baltimore Experience Corps Trial: Enhancing Generativity via Intergenerational Activity Engagement in Later Life,͟(Gruenewald, et al.) studied the program’s effect on generativity of volunteers—care and concern directed towards other, typically young individuals. The study found that participants in EC had significantly higher levels of generative desire and perceptions of generative achievement than the control group. These findings are significant taken on their own but also have implications for improved physical and cognitive heath as generativity has been linked to better physical and mental well-being.

A 2014 study, ͞Volunteering as a Pathway to Productive and Social Engagement among Older Adults͟ (Morrow-Howell, et al.) found that subsequent to joining EC, volunteers reported high levels of starting a new job, new volunteer position and starting a class. When asked if and how EC participation played a role in their new involvements, 71% said it increased confidence, 76% said it increased realization of the importance of organized activities/daily structure, and more than 40% said they made social connections that led to new involvements. Most reported they were more likely to be involved in advocacy efforts for public education. The results suggest that participation in EC is a pathway to other productive social and civic activities.

A 2010 quasi-experimental design study, ͞Health Outcomes of Experience Corps: A high-commitment volunteer program,͟(Hong and Morrow-Howell) documented that EC participants from 15 program sites across the country experienced improvements in depressive symptoms and functional limitations after 2 years of service compared with a matched-comparison group.

A 2009 study, ͞Evidence of Neurocognitive Plasticity in At-Risk Oder Adults: The Experience Corps Program, ͟ (Carlson et al.) showed that EC volunteers in Baltimore after one year of volunteering increased physical strength, increased in the number of people they could turn to for help, watched less TV, and showed less decline in walking speed, and there was a trend toward improved cognitive function compared with a waitlist comparison groups.

A 2006 study, ͞A Physical Activity Intervention for Older Adults—the Experience Corps Program,͟ (Tan et al.) found that Experience Corps and other high intensity volunteer programs can lead to significant improvements in physical activity of previously inactive older adult volunteers.