Author: Audrey May

We know volunteering makes us “feel good” but numerous studies also document the link between volunteer activities and increased physical and mental health for seniors. One study conducted by the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research looked at the impact of volunteering for almost 13,000 American adults age 50 and over. The study found that participants who volunteered 100 or more hours a year “had reduced risk of mortality and physical functioning limitations, higher physical activity, and better psychosocial outcomes.” Positive psychosocial outcomes included greater sense of optimism and purpose in life, and less depression, loneliness or isolation....