With newfound time on your hands after retiring, you may find that there is only so much golf you can play, or so many trips you can take; and yet you still have time on your hands. As a result many active 55+ adults, who are retired from full time paying work, decide to start volunteering their time, efforts and skills to various organizations, charities and associations. In addition to being of service to others, or to championing a cause dear to your heart; studies have shown that volunteer work actually has health benefits for retirees.
The Corporation for National and Community Service's report: The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research has found a significant connection between volunteering and good health. Amongst other things, the report showed conclusively that volunteers have greater longevity, higher functional ability, lower rates of depression and less incidence of heart disease.
In particular, the research suggested that volunteering is especially beneficial to the health of older adults and those serving 100 hours annually. Here are some of the specific results of the research:
The Corporation for National and Community Service's report: The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research has found a significant connection between volunteering and good health. Amongst other things, the report showed conclusively that volunteers have greater longevity, higher functional ability, lower rates of depression and less incidence of heart disease.
In particular, the research suggested that volunteering is especially beneficial to the health of older adults and those serving 100 hours annually. Here are some of the specific results of the research:
- Adults age 65 and older found that the positive effect of volunteering on physical and mental health was due to the personal sense of accomplishment and individual gains from volunteer activities.
- Another study reported that volunteering led to lower rates of depression in those aged 65 and older.
- A Duke study determined that adults who volunteered after experiencing heart attacks reported reductions in despair and depression. Both factors have been linked to mortality in post-coronary artery disease patients.
- An analysis of longitudinal data found that adults 70 years and older who volunteered approximately 100 hours had less of a decline in self-reported health and functioning levels, experienced lower levels of depression, and had more longevity.
Volunteering helps you interact with others. It is a good social activity. Most people will definitely feel that they manage to do something fulfilling, which is really good so they can feel good about themselves. My relatives who live in 55 and over communities in new york have regular events that they do to keep them active. This is really healthy and a good way to spend their time with.
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