Older Adults Who Volunteer are Happier and Healthier

A new study has found that older adults that volunteer tend to be happier and healthier than their non-volunteer peers.

Researchers from the Rotman Research Institute compiled and evaluated from over seventy studies published over the span of forty-five years. The studies involved adults that were aged fifty years and up, and all held formalized volunteer positions.

Elderly volunteers gained much more than the feeling of altruism. Most exhibited other benefits such as increased happiness, improved physical health, increased cognitive functioning, and better overall life satisfaction.

Moving forward, the Rotman Research Institute researchers will focus on bridging the knowledge gaps that exist around the effects of volunteering on the cognitive functioning of older adults.

For the complete article, please check out the “Science World Report” at http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/16906/20140830/older-adults-who-volunteer-are-more-happier-and-healthier-study-finds.htm.