Volunteering Impacts Quality of Life
Volunteers had less depression, reported greater satisfaction with life and live longer than those who did not volunteer according to reviewers from the Corporation of National and Community Service (CNCS), a government agency that promotes volunteerism.
The study was circulated as part of the Johns Hopkins Health Alerts which reports that the CNCS reviewed two decades of data from more than 30 studies to reach the their conclusions about how volunteering impacts one’s life.
One two-year study found that adults over 75 years of age who volunteered or worked for more than 100 hours a year were one-third less likely to report bad health and two-thirds less likely to die over the course of the study.
And, according to other data in the review, people over 65 years of age seemed to benefit more from volunteering than younger participants.
That volunteering has psychological benefits probably comes as no surprise to people who volunteer regularly---doing good in turn leads to feeling good.
But for older people, who are more likely to have retired or lost a spouse, volunteer activities are also a way to stay active and involved in their communities.
The structure and social support that volunteer activities provide may help stave off depression that often accompanies chronic illnesses and major role transitions, including moves into long0term care residences.
According to an eight-year study of 1,137 adults, volunteering after the death of a spouse was associated with a decline in depression. And people who volunteered before their spouses died were less depressed after losing a spouse than those who hadn’t volunteered before.
These emotional benefits may have a biological basis according to Peter Rabins, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry and Health Policy and Director of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry at Johns Hopkins.
“Studies by my colleagues at the Johns Hopkins Older Americans Intervention Center have revealed that volunteering is associated with increased blood flow in certain areas of the brain, which might indicate more connections between brain cells in these areas,” Rabins says. “Their research also shows that volunteer work with children improves mood and morale,” he explains. “Perhaps better mood and blood flow are related.”
Other research by Johns Hopkins researchers established that depression makes it harder both to recover from illness and to do things that are good for you, like exercising and eating well, Rabins says. “The improved mental well-being that results from volunteering may also have an indirect impact on physical health.”
Volunteers know the truth of the verse, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." There are few things more rewarding than giving one's time to help someone else.
Approximately one-and-a-half million volunteers throughout the United States dramatically extend The Salvation Army's ability to serve the needy. Volunteers provide assistance in a variety of areas from social services to office work to character building activities. If you have a skill or just the heart to serve, The Salvation Army has a place for you.
Volunteers come from all walks of life and support the Army in almost all of its activities. They serve as members of auxiliary groups and advisory organizations, bell ringers, kitchen and clerical workers, and in special functions when disasters strike. Their contribution of time and commitment are essential to the success of the organization.
We need volunteers today!
What's the next step?
It is recommended that all volunteers attend an orientation session. The sessions take about a hour. Subject matter includes the Army, its mission and volunteer opportunities. In addition, participants complete an application form and sign a waiver form. Once the application is reviewed, usually within 24 hours, participants are notified that they are eligible to volunteer. Effort is then made to match volunteers with Army projects that appeal to them as well as helping staff help others. Below is a schedule of orientation sessions for the first quarter of 2008. The orientations are held in the conference room at 501 East 8th Street, Austin, TX 78701. Participants should report to the "ground floor desk" where an attendant will help them find the conference room. PLEASE be on time. Participants must find parking on their own.
2009 Volunteer Orientation Schedule
All who wish to volunteer at The Salvation Army are asked to participate in the 1-hour orientation session. The orientation is held in the conference room at the emergency shelter at 501 East 8th St, Austin, TX 78701.
Subject matter includes talking about the Army’s mission and volunteer opportunities. In addition, participants complete the required application form and sign a waiver. After the application is reviewed, usually within 24 hours, volunteers are matched to projects that the Army needs help completing.
VOLUNTEERS MUST REGISTER FOR THE ORIENTATION SESSIONS AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE TO ENSURE THAT AN ORIENTATION IS CONDUCTED. To register for an orientation session, contact: Volunteer Coordinator, 512-634-5909 or Robert_cox@uss.salvationarmy.org.
JANUARY
Tuesday, January 6 & 20, at 6 pm
Friday, January 16 & 30, at 11 am
FEBRUARY
Tuesday, February 3 & 17, at 6 pm
Friday, February 13 & 27, at 11 am
MARCH
Tuesday, March 3, 17 & 31, at 6 pm
Friday, March 13 & 27, at 11 am
APRIL
Tuesday, April 14 & 28, at 6 pm
Friday, April 24, at 11 am
MAY
Tuesday, May 5 & 19, at 6 pm
Friday, May 15 & 29, at 11 am
JUNE
Tuesday, June 2, 16 &30, at 6 pm
Friday, June 12 & 26, at 11 am
JULY
Tuesday, July 14 & 28, at 6 pm
Friday, July 10 & 24, at 11 am
AUGUST
Tuesday, August 11 & 25, at 6 pm
Friday, August 7 & 21, at 11 am
SEPTEMBER
Tuesday, September 8 & 22, at 6 pm
Friday, September 18, at 11 am
OCTOBER
Tuesday, October 6 & 20, at 6 pm
Friday, October 2, 16 & 30, at 11 am
NOVEMBER
Tuesday, November 3 & 17, at 6 pm
Friday, November 13, at 11 am
DECEMBER
Tuesday, December 1 & 15, at 6 pm
Friday, December 13, at 11 am
Often, special volunteer opportunities at The Salvation Army are listed at: www.volunteermatch.com. Please check that website for possible volunteer projects that may interest you or your group.