The health benefits of volunteering.
The volunteers make an immeasurable difference in the lives of others. Mostly they perform with the core intention of helping others. Are you aware that volunteering benefits your own health? The researchers have attempted to measure the benefits that volunteers gain including positive feelings referred to as helper’s high increased trust in others. From reducing stress to boosting self-confidence, research has proved that volunteering offers many health benefits mostly to older adults.
Volunteering decreases the risk of depression; It is believed that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression, especially for individuals aged 65 and above. It increases the social interaction and helps to build a support system based on common interests.
Volunteering gives a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills; the volunteers perform a critical roles in assisting patients, families and the staff in the hospitals. In the hospitals, the volunteers serve as greeters giving patient room information and directions among others. The work they provide is essential to everyday processes, which gives volunteers a sense of purpose.
Volunteering helps people stay physically and mentally active; Volunteering activities get you thinking and moving at the same time. Some studies shows that volunteering among adults aged and above provides benefits to physical and mental health. Another one says in general that volunteers report better physical health than do non volunteers. And for the older volunteers, they experience greater increases in life satisfaction and greater positive changes in their perceived health as a result of volunteering.
Volunteering may reduce stress levels; it may enhance a person’s social networks to buffer stress and reduce risk of disease. By savoring time spent in service to others, you will feel a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress reducing effect.
Volunteering may help you live longer; Research indicates that individuals who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who do not, even when controlling for age, gender and physical health. In addition, several studies have shown that volunteers with chronic or serious illness experience declines in pain intensity and depression when serving as peer volunteers for others also suffering from chronic pain.
Volunteering helps you meet others and develop new relationships. One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to participate in a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people who share common interests with you. Dedicating your time as a volunteer also helps you expand your network and practice social skills with others.
All the volunteers come from different backgrounds, but share the common desire to help others. They are men, women, retirees, teenagers, former patients, professionals, homemakers and students. Each one of the volunteers has a different reason why he/she is volunteering, some do volunteer just to sharpen their skills to re-enter the work world, other want to stay active during retirement and put their free time in good use among others.
Are you interested to volunteer in Uganda in any field of your choice, look no further volunteering in Uganda has got you sorted.