HEALTHY LIVING Reap Benefits of Volunteering


or those who volunteered for self- centered purposes. The key to maximizing the health


benefits of volunteering lies in your motivation, says Stephen G. Post, Ph.D., author of Why Good Things Happen to Good People: How to Live a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life by the Simple Act of Giving. Volunteers who act out of


It’s good for your community and your well-being. :: BY LYNN C. ALLISON S


tudies consistently show that engaging in volunteer work can significantly reduce stress, boost mental health,


and even improve physical health. According to the latest research


from AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, more than 28% of Americans formally volunteered through an organization in 2023, giving more than 4.99 billion hours of service.


MENTAL HEALTH Getting involved in meaningful causes gives individuals a strong sense of purpose, which can enhance self-esteem and emotional resilience. Volunteering also helps reduce


feelings of loneliness and isolation by fostering social connections. “People who volunteer


regularly report higher levels of life satisfaction,” says clinical and forensic neuropsychologist Judy Ho, Ph.D. “Volunteering provides a sense of


purpose, fosters social connection, and pulls us out of self-focused negative thought loops that can perpetuate prolonged stress and negative emotions.”


PHYSICAL BENEFITS Active volunteering can promote


96 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | OCTOBER 2025


a healthier lifestyle and may even improve cardiovascular health and longevity. According to Ho, volunteering


activates the brain’s reward system by increasing levels of dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins — neurochemicals associated with improved mood and connection. Volunteers have been shown to have lower blood pressure, reduced inflammation, and a longer life expectancy. In an online survey of 4,500


adults, volunteers reported a variety of health improvements: 73% reported lower stress levels 89% experienced an improved


sense of well-being 92% felt a greater sense of purpose


in life 68% reported better physical


health 77% saw improved emotional


health 78% recovered more quickly from loss and disappointment


MOTIVATION MATTERS A landmark study published in the American Psychological Association journal Health Psychology found that people who volunteered for altruistic reasons had a lower risk of dying four years later than non-volunteers


genuine kindness — rather than obligation or external pressures — reap the greatest rewards, says Post. “The real key is helping others


with kindness,” Post says. “Some people seek volunteer opportunities that are in line with their talents and strengths, while others may want to try something completely new. Volunteering as a family also works well.”


HOW TO START Finding the right opportunity is easier than ever. Resources include: VolunteerMatch. Visit


VolunteerMatch.org to search by ZIP code and interest. Type in topics like “animals” to discover opportunities near you. The United Way. Connects


volunteers with local organizations that need support. Community centers. Check local


libraries, animal shelters, hospitals, and hospices for openings.


QUICK TIPS If you’re new to volunteering, start slowly and stay motivated: Help one person every day. A consistent daily act of kindness adds up over time. Keep a kind heart. Begin each day


with the intention to treat others with compassion. Start small. Most American


volunteers dedicate just two hours per week. Research shows this level of commitment is enough to yield noticeable health benefits.


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