There are numerous ways that older people can volunteer their time and talents to contribute to worthy causes. And, while volunteering, older persons can take advantage of the health benefits of kindness — kindness matters.
Volunteers often declare that they get more out of volunteering than the organization or community they volunteer with. The rewards reaped by older adult volunteers can truly be life-affirming and life-changing.
The article “Kindness Matters: How Volunteering Can Benefit Seniors’ Health” notes that volunteering can help your heath by:
- Lowering risk of dementia
- Lowering blood pressure
- Increasing happiness
- Lowering risk of dementia
A 2014 study suggested that there may be a correlation between volunteering and reduced rates of dementia or other age-related mental decline. This research looked at over 70 other peer-reviewed articles on the benefits of volunteering (as compared to people who do not volunteer their time and talents).
This review found that volunteering in later life is associated with “significant psychosocial, physical, cognitive, and functional benefits for healthy older adults.” There was even evidence that more hours of volunteering may confer even greater benefits.
- Lowering blood pressure
A novel 2016 study looked at how altruism can impact blood pressure (hypertension) in people age 65 and older. Their study found that the benefits of altruism were comparable to the benefits of blood pressure-lowering medication or exercise.
- Increasing happiness
A 2009 study found that being kind to others could increase people’s self-reported level of happiness in as little as three days. In addition to the evidence that volunteering can lower rates of depression, being kind and helping others may even make you an overall happier person.
The skills, knowledge, kindness, mental and physical activity of older adults doesn’t disappear when they retire. There are countless ways that you can continue to connect, make a positive impact, and give of yourself!
Read the full article, “Kindness Matters: How Volunteering Can Benefit Seniors’ Health”
