Volunteering – One Addiction That Could Extend Your Life!

“When You Forget Yourself and Think of Others, This is Love!” — Pope Francis

During the month of May we celebrate two occasions that are all about selfless giving and service to others: Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. But May also reminds us of the natural cycle of renewal, and the eternal sense of optimism that nature – and people – will blossom and thrive again. This May, why not experience the joy and self-renewal of serving others through volunteerism?

Volunteering and serving others has tremendous benefits for the recipients, but there’s growing evidence that the givers benefit, too – well beyond just feeling good about what they’re doing to actually being physically and cognitively healthier.

A recent article published in the Wall Street Journal cited several studies confirming that volunteering is not just good — it’s actually good for your health. In one study cited, 75% of those who volunteered said that volunteering made them feel physically healthier. In another more comprehensive study of 64,000 people (age 60+, over a 12 year period) the study showed that volunteering actually slows the cognitive decline of aging. “We find that as people volunteer, their cognitive health scores improve. If they don’t volunteer, their cognitive scores decline faster”, said Dr. Sumedha Gupta, Indiana-Purdue University and author of the study. And it doesn’t take much: the data showed cognitive benefits with as little as 2 to 2½ hours of volunteering each week, on average, according to Dr. Gupta.

The article notes that there are many reasons that this proven benefit occurs. As many other studies have noted, and unlike paid work, there’s a unique “warm glow” effect that a volunteer experiences from helping people. Volunteering is also unique “because it supplies mental, physical and social stimulation in one package,” Dr. Gupta says. “You have to move around, you interact with people, you think about activities.” Whereas doing a Sudoku puzzle offers one type of intellectual stimulation, she says, volunteers get all of these types of stimulation simultaneously.

This month, while you’re enjoying the beauty of May in full bloom, why not help others blossom, too, through volunteering? We guarantee you’ll feel good – emotionally and physically! Think about the unique skills and experience you have to share, or getting involved with something you’ve always felt passionate about.

Still not sure where to start? Go to the “Volunteer” tab on our website, and join one of our Holy Family ministries. Our Community Service and Support ministry has many different specific programs to match your interests and talents, and works with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the local food pantry, and many others. Or, contact Sue Geegan, Holy Family Human Concerns Director, at 877-907-3443; sgeegan@holyfamilyparish.organd we’ll help get you started. But be forewarned: volunteering is addictive (in a good way!)

https://www.wsj.com/articles/research-finds-volunteering-can-be-good-for-your-health-1524449280

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