Health Facts
Volunteering could be called the new health club for the 21st century. And, it’s free to join. Over the past 10 years, scientists have conducted over 500 research studies which demonstrate the amazing power of volunteering on health.
Many of us are currently taking a baby aspirin every day to protect our hearts against heart disease. According to new research, the remarkable bottom line shows that volunteering protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease.
Studies reveal that people who volunteer report higher levels of happiness, life-satisfaction, self-esteem and higher levels of physical health than non-volunteers.
A significant study of two thousand individuals over the age of 55 found the following activities lower your likelihood of dying by these impressive percentages:
- Stop smoking (49%);
- Volunteer (44%);
- Remain mobile (39%);
- Exercise four times a week (30%);
- Attend religious services (29%).
In order to reap health benefits, volunteers must reach a volunteering threshold. This threshold has been described in the literature in one of two ways:
- Volunteer for two or more organizations, or
- Volunteer for 100 or more hours per year.
If you have friends or relatives who are depressed or dissatisfied with life, encourage them to volunteer. Research shows—volunteering is just about the best medicine for your health that could possibly be prescribed!
