Aging is the process of gradually losing cellular function, leading to declines in physical fitness and health, often caused by chronic illnesses or degeneration of body structures. Here we explore some reasons people become less healthy as they age as well as how volunteering can reduce some negative impacts.
Volunteering has many physical advantages, including reduced blood pressure, depression relief, increased life satisfaction and a greater sense of purpose. Research also indicates that it can be an excellent way of staying physically active as you age while expanding social ties.
Studies have demonstrated that those who participate regularly in volunteerism experience lower depressive symptoms and higher levels of positive thinking, improved health and more social support as well as an enhanced sense of meaning in life. Some research indicates that physically demanding forms of volunteering (e.g. construction) may offer greater health benefits than cognitively demanding ones (befriending).
Research on the links between volunteering and health is expanding rapidly, though we don’t yet fully understand its genesis. While we cannot pinpoint exactly why this association exists, it likely stems from multiple factors. One might be that volunteering provides an enjoyable activity which leads to friendships with like-minded individuals – which have been linked with lower levels of depression and more positive emotions; or it could simply provide exercise that leads to reduced rates of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders.