What can volunteering do for you?
The Benefits of Volunteering
We've always known volunteering is great for your body and mind - and we have the sources to prove it.
Volunteering improves your physical health.
"Volunteer activities keep people moving and thinking at the same time. Research has found that volunteering among adults, age 60 and over, provided benefits to physical health."
"Volunteers report better physical health than non-volunteers."
"Volunteering decreases the risk of some physical health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and general illness."
Volunteering is great for your mental health.
"Research has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for people 65 and older."
"By spending time in service to others, volunteers report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect."
"Reduced stress further decreases the risk of some mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety."
Volunteering can give you a sense of purpose .
"The work that volunteers provide is essential to everyday activities, giving volunteers a sense of purpose, especially when giving their time and talent in the areas they find meaningful. Older volunteers experience greater increases in life satisfaction and self-esteem."
Volunteering makes you happy .
"Research has found a correlation between volunteering and happiness. A 2020 study conducted in the United Kingdom found those who volunteered reported being more satisfied with their lives and rated their overall health as better. Respondents who volunteered for at least one month also reported having better mental health than those who did not volunteer."
Volunteering reduces loneliness.
"Studies suggest that volunteering can improve our health, ease feelings of loneliness, and broaden our social networks."
"In a study of 10,000 volunteers in Britain, about two-thirds agreed that their volunteering had helped them feel less isolated, particularly those ages 18 to 34."