Volunteer

Whether it is planting trees or serving food to the homeless, volunteering your time for the greater good makes a difference in the lives of many. Doing good deeds also benefits your body, too. A study from Harvard shows that people who regularly volunteer enjoy longer, happier, healthier lives.
Researchers say that people over 50 years old who volunteer for about two hours weekly have a considerably lower risk of death. They are also less likely to develop physical impairments and do exercise more frequently. All of these benefits naturally lead to a stronger overall well-being versus people who do not volunteer.
“Humans are social creatures by nature. Perhaps this is why our minds and bodies are rewarded when we give to others,” explains lead author Dr. Eric Kim, of the Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University. “Our results show that volunteerism among older adults doesn’t just strengthen communities, but enriches our own lives by strengthening our bonds to others, helping us feel a sense of purpose and well-being, and protecting us from feelings of loneliness, depression, and hopelessness.”

The researchers randomly selected nearly 13,000 participants a national study conducted between 2010-2016. Participants were split into two groups and tracked for four years each. The research team used health data, face-to-face interviews and surveys to evaluate the effects of volunteering on 34 specific physical and mental health outcomes.