Volunteering Could Improve Happiness

It feels good to do something nice for others. We all know how happy giving someone a gift or performing a random act of kindness can make you, but now it seems that helping people could improve your wellbeing as you get older.

A new study has suggested that spending time volunteering could help to improve mental wellbeing. The positive results were strongest in those aged between 40 and 70, indicating that volunteering when you retire could keep you happy.

Researchers from Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute and Birmingham’s Third Sector Research Centre looked at data that was collected as part of the British Household Panel Survey. This is a survey that tracks public and social health trends to assess what factors have an impact on the average person.

More than 66,000 responses were assessed as part of the study, with the extent of formal volunteering and the scores indicating mental health and emotional wellbeing being compared.

It was found that, generally, health and wellbeing scores got worse as people got older. Those aged over 45 continued to experience worsening scores if they didn’t volunteer, however, those who gave up their time to volunteer experienced improvements and were generally happier.

While it isn’t clear as to why people’s mental wellbeing improved when they volunteered, it could be because knowing that you’re helping other people makes you happy. This could also mean that those who volunteer are more inclined to do so again in future as being happy makes you want to help others.

Charities and organisations are always asking others to volunteer, meaning there are plenty of opportunities around if you want to try your hand at helping out. No matter what your age, volunteering could help you feel happier, as well as allow you to meet new people.