Studies show that people who volunteer on a regular basis are the healthiest and live the longest.
In fact, according to Chandra Torgerson, senior vice president and chief nursing officer for United Healthcare, “People who volunteer feel better all over.” A survey conducted by the company showed 92% of respondents felt more optimistic and had an enriched sense of purpose in life after volunteering.
Here’s another benefit – volunteers are less likely to be obese. A lower proportion of volunteers (31 percent) were identified as obese when compared to non-volunteers (36 percent).
So, what motivates individuals to volunteer and support charities?
Leora Kaufman of New York City works in the nonprofit world. The 31-year-old is the regional director of American Friends of Likud. And she founded a professional group called ViZion to build a community of the next leaders. “My generation of nonprofit professionals supports each other,” she explained at a recent charity event.
Kalman Samuels, founder of an organization called Shalva, says, “Charity is an amazing circular gift. There is nothing you can do for anyone else that doesn’t do for yourself.” Shalva means “peace of mind,” and the organization provides support for families of mentally and physically challenged children.
That may be what motivated Linda Franklin, founder of the popular blog The Real Cougar Woman, to start her Shining Service Worldwide initiative. Franklin wanted to let women in the military know they’re appreciated and supported, so she created the Shining Service Bracelet campaign. Women can buy a bracelet for themselves along with one for a woman in uniform. Franklin’s organization then sends the second bracelets to Afghanistan or Iraq along with the buyer’s name and email.
“Receiving the bracelet sends a very powerful message. It says, I appreciate you, I support you and I am here for you,” says Franklin. She adds, “When one percent of the population is putting their lives in danger to protect 99% of the population, it’s time to step up to the plate and help them.”
One key to successful volunteerism is to find something you’re passionate about, like Franklin and her bracelets or Samuels and his children. Then bring that passion to others.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out VolunteerMatch. Just type in your zip code to find organizations looking for volunteers.
Have a Youthful Day,
Jackie Silver
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Welcome to Aging Backwards! Here I’ll let you in on all my tips, tricks and secret weapons for stopping the effects of aging and improving the whole self – mind, body and spirit. Aging Backwards was born from my desire to help people look and feel the best they can, which I have personally been working on my entire life. 