Anyone want to volunteer to stay younger longer?
The Do Good Institute, at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, says the percentage of Americans doing formal volunteering has stayed at 20% to 30% of the population for the past 40 years. That adds up to 7.7 billion hours annually spent volunteering, according to the funding support group, Double the Donation, contributing $175 billion in non-paid work to the economy. And the highest rates of volunteering are among folks ages 65 years and older.
That is impressive -- and great for communities and causes across the country. But you know what else it's good for? The vitality and longevity of the volunteers.
A study in Social Science & Medicine confirmed that volunteering for even an hour a week slows your rate of aging by increasing immune health, protecting your organ systems and reducing the risk of premature death. And another recent study in Psychoneuroendocrinology also confirms the association between volunteering and making your RealAge or ActualAge younger. Researchers looked at data from the Health and Retirement Study and found that volunteering prevents multiple age-related epigenetic changes in the body's DNA.
Why does it slow down aging? Because volunteering provides you with a sense of purpose and increases physical activity, social interconnections and mental agility. So, reach out in your area to see what you can contribute to your community -- and your good health.
For more on the power of a sense of purpose and a posse, read my book "The Great Age Reboot" and sign up for the free newsletter at 4YOUngevity.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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