McMaster University’s Optimal Aging Portal is a trusted and evidenced-based source for healthy aging and a number of articles in their blog underline the health benefits of volunteering in later life.

Based on this article on Volunteers: Artisans of health and well-being, research tells us that:

  • There is robust evidence that volunteering reduces mortality risk.
  • There is some evidence that volunteering may reduce disability, promote the maintenance of knowledge and skills, and slow the decline in activities of daily living. Older people who volunteer appear to be better able to carry out activities of daily living that require skills, judgment and independence, such as shopping, using public transportation, cooking, cleaning, using the telephone, taking medication, and managing their budget.
  • In terms of mental health, studies suggest that volunteering can reduce depression by increasing psychological well-being, sense of accomplishment and belonging, quality of life and self-esteem, among other things.
Another great blog article from the McMaster Healthy Aging portal highlights the importance of breaking the cycle of isolation by getting involved in your community.  “Volunteering is a form of civic engagement that builds on the experience of older adults and breaks down social isolation, while providing them with a sense of accomplishment and belonging to the community. This feeling is accompanied by positive benefits for their health and quality of life.”

Finally, volunteering can help you cultivate and maintain your sense of joy in life. In the blog article Joy, an emotion that transcends the age barrier, researchers assert that joy has positive effects on mental and physical health, as well as quality of life. Two great sources of joy are: having social interactions and participating in meaningful activities. Volunteering checks both boxes.

Volunteering or working for the common good allows you to:

  • build connections with people of all ages
  • feel satisfaction
  • achieve your goals
  • break through loneliness and ultimately
  • cultivate joy!

Get started today! Check out our articles on how to get started and then go to Find an Opportunity!