Want to live longer? Volunteer!
By Brian O'Heir, VolunteerTeam
If you have volunteered you know it feels good. In fact, I am reminded of that – or a bank at least – because of its marketing message, one would we should possibly submit to willingly:
'generosity makes people happy'
However, there is even better news and even more reason to bolster the flagging ranks of the volunteer sector. Volunteer and you'll live longer.
In a recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald ('Something for nothing', My Career, 29–30 August 2009 pp 3), Chief Executive of The Centre for Volunteering, Lynne Dalton, advised that while the most common motivation for people to volunteer was to "give something back", she noted that studies show that people who volunteer are not only happier, but they live longer.
Academic research supports that view. Harvard Professor George Vaillant followed Harvard graduates for 40 years, and found altruism to be one the major qualities enabling graduates to cope with the stresses of life.
His longitudinal study of 2,700 American males who volunteered their services to community organisations was found to have much better longevity than those who didn't volunteer. They were two and a half times less likely to die from any cause as compared to the control group. Helping others also seems to result in a boosted immune system, fewer colds and headaches and better sleeping habits.
Vallaints' research also shows that our priorities change as we age and pass through various growth cycles. Our focus becomes less about ourselves and more and more about others, our community and the environment. As we evolve, we're prepared to be more generous. (Though there are some individuals who get caught up in the "me" cycle and never grow out of it).
Our sense of happiness seems to go hand in hand with this development, despite the fact that we experience more health problems and more bereavements as we age. We are more satisfied with what we have and our need to acquire more and more is reduced.
Volunteering is also good for the newly redundant. A psychologist colleague in Melbourne has, not surprisingly, been in great demand in recent months as she counsels employees whose jobs have disappeared, many courtesy of the GFC.
On top of the loss of a job, many have experienced loss of self esteem, identity, self worth and prestige. If, as Karl Marx claimed, a man - and of course now women - 'is defined by his work', then the recent job losses, or even the fear of job loss, has the potential to cause a great deal of anxiety. So, what does she advise the recently redundant?
According to Dr Melissa Monfries, circumstances are different for every client. However, one piece of advice she gives to clients during the period of adjustment – volunteer. In fact, when counselling people for depression, she will often suggest to those on the road to recovery to do the same thing.
"Helping helps," she advised. "People recently unemployed or suffering depression - and very often the former is the catalyst for the latter – will benefit from being involved with a new activity or people. They may need a whole new field of social engagement to regain their confidence and if there are few better ways to connect, or reconnect, than to volunteer," Dr Monfries advised.
If living longer doesn't stir you to action then consider this. Ebony Frost, Alumni Volunteer Networks Manager at London Business School, advises that volunteering is a good career move.
"More and more, employers…are looking to community service to be the distinguishing factor among applicants. Putting your volunteering experience on your resume shows commitment, experience in the field and a willingness to go the extra mile in order to finish a job.
"Volunteering is fast becoming an essential part of a stand-out resume. Employers are looking for evidence of commitment, loyalty and a strong desire to contribute to the success of society, all of which volunteering demonstrates. It also aids personal growth and the development of transferable skills," Ms Frost advised.
So the experts agree – volunteering is good for your longevity, your health and your career. It is also good for your community. Imagine then the multiplier effect – individuals, united in supporting their football club, their school, their nippers, their church, their favourite overseas aid agency or their local hospital.
We know time is precious, but if you can afford it you can help yourself as much others – and that is good for everyone.
Author: Brian O'Heir © VolunteerTeam 2010, Image: Murray Richards © VolunteerTeam 2010
Disclaimer and Usage – Text and Image free for editorial use where appropriate credits are shown.
The Centre
for Volunteering [ABN 28 002 416 024]
Level 2, 228 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
T: 02 9261 3600 | F: 02 9261 4033 | E: info@volunteering.com.au | www.volunteering.com.au