Health Benefits of Volunteering
By: Gretchen Bolander
Updated: January 27, 2011
It's been almost three years of giving back for volunteer Jean Dipley. "The children just kind of grabbed my heart and they mean a lot to me."
She's helped with the Children's Miracle Network and the Freeman Gift Shop. Dr. Charlotte Trautman says that can bear big benefits - both mentally and emotionally. "There is decrease in the risk for depression. Our self esteem goes up - it reduces stress. It reduces anxiety and the connection is very strong."
Trautman says the biggest impact is often seen in volunteers 60 or older who spend at least 40 - 100 per year volunteering. "You are contributing to the community.
There's a social interaction, there's life satisfaction with giving your time to others who ... have less resources than you have available."
Dipley adds - it's just time well spent. "We give back to the community some of the joy we've received."
