by Galen Gregory

Created on: March 10, 2009   Last Updated: March 16, 2009

A hundred years ago, Booker T. Washington wrote, "If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else." And now, it turns out, there is scientific evidence that what he said was true. A recent review of 30 research projects found that people who volunteer to help others live longer, suffer less depression, and have lower rates of heart disease!

Opportunities to help others abound in our daily lives. Whether you sign up for an organized volunteer effort such as building houses for Habitat for Humanity or working at a local hospital, or simply make a joyful decision to reach out to people in your neighborhood, helping other folks can have benefits for your own physical health and mental well-being.

Many of us are trying to live a more healthy lifestyle by getting more exercise and eating right. It's easy to achieve those goals while making a difference in your community or in the lives of your neighbors. Instead of going to a health club to lift weights, how about stocking the shelves with canned goods at the food bank? If you're trying to walk to improve your fitness or heart health, those abandoned dogs at the animal shelter would be thrilled to get some exercise along with you. Maybe you've been trying to lure your kids away from the video games without much success. How about adopting that elderly widow down the street and making it a family project to rake her leaves or mow her yard? You and your kids get to spend some family time together, while you teach your children some important lessons about helping others. Are you trying to change your eating habits, but need some encouragement? You could check with local programs for teen mothers to see if they need someone to assist with cooking and nutrition classes.

Helping others also contributes to a sense of inner well-being. It is well known that there are strong links between depression, social isolation, and feelings of worthlessness. What better way to begin to break down this cycle of depression than by reaching out to others and making connections? The research shows that volunteering is especially beneficial to elderly people, by encouraging them to be less isolated, giving them a sense of purpose, and providing mental stimulation. For example, since 1965 seniors have volunteered in the federal government's Foster Grandparent program, making a valuable contribution in settings such as Head Start centers and state institutions for the developmentally disabled. For all of us, it is important to our sense of self-worth to feel that we make a difference, that we contribute, that we are connected to the people around us.

So, look around you, see what needs to be done, and roll up your sleeves! The person who will benefit the most isYOU!

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