Volunteering is popular among people of all ages, from students to retirees. What are the benefits of all of this giving?
Of course helping others would make you feel good, but are there really health benefits? Studies have shown that volunteering can play a role in your overall sense of well-being. It can reduce depression and improve mental health. Those that volunteered were more likely to be happier.
A report by the Corporation for National and Community Service states that people who volunteer actually live long lives. They also have higher functional ability, and less incidence of heart disease. Volunteering may be even more helpful for older adults and those who serve 100 volunteer hours a year or more.
Chronic pain can be tough to manage. Though, the pain has physical causes, mental patterns can play a role in intensity and disability from pain. This may be how volunteering appears to help those in chronic pain. Pain, disability, and depression were all measured.
Pain, depression, and disability all decreased after volunteering. Several months later, the researchers found that the improvements continued. Volunteers often noted “making a connection” and having “a sense of purpose” as benefits that they felt. Managing chronic pain without medicine can be very important in pain care.
Volunteer vacations are also popular. This allows you to immerse yourself in a cause you are interested in. You can explore other countries or stay closer to home. Look for a company with a safe reputation. Take time to learn just what is expected during your time in the program. Make sure you understand what your costs will be. Sometimes food and lodge is included, sometimes it is separate. Some examples of volunteer vacation groups include:
Take the time to research volunteer vacations. You will be sure to find one that matches your interests.
International Volunteers Programs Association
http://www.volunteerinternational.org
United Nations Volunteers
http://www.unv.org
Volunteer Canada
http://volunteer.ca
Volunteer Toronto
http://volunteertoronto.ca
Arnstein P, Vidal M, Wells-Federman C, Morgan B, Caudill M. From chronic pain patient to peer: benefits and risks of volunteering. Pain Manag Nurs. 2002;3(3):94-103.
Carlson M; Erickson K; et al. Evidence for Neurocognitive Plasticity in At-Risk Older Adults: The Experience Corps Program, The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, Volume 64A, Issue 12, December 2009, Pages 1275
Corporation for National and Community Service, Office of Research and Policy Development. The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research. 2007. Available at:
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Accessed June 10, 2020.
Musick MA, Wilson J. Volunteering and depression: the role of psychological and social resources in different age groups. Soc Sci Med. 2003;56(2):259-269.
Last reviewed June 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board