Corporation of National & Community Service Volunteering Produces Health Benefits

New Report Shows Helping Others Improves Your Wellbeing and Longevity

The Corporation of National & Community Service indicated that an individual can improve their health through volunteering. Researchers have found a connection between volunteering and good health, such as, greater longevity, higher functional ability, lower rates of depression and less incidence of heart disease. The CEO of the Corporation, David Eisner, stated, “Volunteering makes the heart grow stronger.” The overall physical and mental health of a volunteer can improve greatly while volunteering for an organization (Corporation for National & Community Service, May 7, 2007).

Research suggests that volunteering is particularly beneficial to the health of older adults and those serving 100 hours annually. According to the report (Corporation for National & Community Service, May 7, 2007):

  • A study of adults age 65 and older found that the positive effect of volunteering on physical and mental health is due to the personal sense of accomplishment an individual gains from his or her volunteer activities.
  • Another study found that volunteering led to lower rates of depression in individuals 65 and older.
  • A Duke study found that individuals who volunteered after experiencing heart attacks reported reductions in despair and depression – two factors that that have been linked to mortality in post-coronary artery disease patients.
  • An analysis of longitudinal data found that individuals over 70 who volunteered approximately 100 hours had less of a decline in self-reported health and functioning levels, experienced lower levels of depression, and had more longevity.
  • Two studies found that volunteering threshold is about 100 hours per year, or about two hours a week. Individuals who reached the threshold enjoyed significant health benefits, although there were not additional benefits beyond the 100-hour mark.

These five statistics provide encouragement for volunteers to continue with their altruistic service and inform others to volunteer as well. An individual can experience these physical and mental benefits even if they volunteer as little as two hours per week. Why not improve your health and help others at the same time?

For further information, visit http://www.nationalservice.gov.

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