"Those
who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower
rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer." *
As
the holidays approach, we often feel a greater desire to provide service within
our community. This volunteer service, whether provided during the
holidays or at other times, can provide valuable and important benefits both to
the individuals providing the service as well as those receiving it. These benefits include strengthened communities and improved individual
lives. As we provide volunteer service, we help solve the problems around
us.
The
benefits we receive personally as we provide service to others are also varied
and significant. These benefits include a sense of pride and satisfaction
from knowing we've accomplished something good. We also reap social
benefits as we develop relationships both with those we're serving alongside
and those receiving our service. And we feel a sense of accomplishment as
we share our talents and knowledge and gain new skills.
Volunteer
service can also benefit our health, especially as we grow older. In an
article entitled The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent
Research prepared by the Corporation for National and Community Service, Office
of Research and Policy Development, the authors suggest that volunteer service
leads to both improved physical health and improved mental health. These
benefits seem to come as individuals volunteer at least one to two hours per
week.
Improved
physical health is demonstrated by lower mortality rates among those who give
social support to others. The authors further state that several studies
have found individuals with chronic or serious illness receive additional
medical benefits through volunteer service. And studies cited in the
article show that states with high volunteer rates also have lower incidences
of heart disease.
Improved
mental health comes as the social networks developed through volunteer service
help a person buffer stress. The article suggests that volunteer work "provides individuals with a sense of purpose and life satisfaction."
Further, research reviewed for the article found "statistically significant,
positive relationships between volunteering and lower levels of depression" for
individuals 65 and older.
A
huge number of volunteer opportunities are available in many shapes and
sizes. Some of these include volunteering for associations such as NACM
or ICEL, volunteering with holiday programs such as Candy Cane Corner,
volunteering at hospitals, schools, food banks, with church groups, medical
groups, environmental groups, and many, many more. Volunteer
opportunities can be ongoing or one-time occasions.
When
looking for the right fit in a volunteer opportunity, it is important to
evaluate the amount of time you have to give and the commitment you're willing
to make. You should also consider your passions and where you'd really
like to make a difference. Consider who would you like to work with and
if you prefer one-on-one or group settings. And consider what you'd like
to gain from the experience.
Volunteer
service can be immensely rewarding in addition to the other benefits
received. It can be a wonderful opportunity to move outside your comfort
zone and challenge yourself while making a difference in the lives of others
and improving the community. Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by
what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
Sources:
Corporation
for National and Community Service, Office of Research and Policy
Development. The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent
Research, Washington, DC 2007. *Also quote source.
www.nationalservice.gov |