A 2-WAY STREET
The Health Benefits of Volunteering
•
Physical & Social Activity: Staying active promotes heart health and sharpens cognitive skills. New Social Connections: Volunteering fosters meaningful interactions and combats loneliness. Emotional Well-Being: Helping others promotes compassion and affection, reducing stress and depression.
Imagine for a moment our nation without volunteers. Fire departments in three out of four communities would vanish, along with 90% of Red Cross workers, most disaster relief crews, and countless helpers at animal shelters, nursing homes, and homeless shelters. Volunteers make a difference in the lives of others. But what is it about helping someone in need that makes the volunteer feel better, too? As we honor Volunteer Recognition Day on April 20, this is the perfect time to highlight research underscoring how volunteering benefits not just recipients, but volunteers themselves — especially older adults. Studies show that self-reported health tends to improve when older adults start volunteering and declines when they stop. A 2022 study of more than 267,000 individuals across 22 European nations found that frequent volunteers reported feeling healthier than those who did not volunteer.
The health advantages of volunteering increase sharply with age. While volunteers under 40 reported little difference in their health compared to non-volunteers, those in their 70s reported a 26% health advantage, and those 80 and older experienced a 35% improvement in self-reported health. The greatest benefits were seen in those who were already in poorer health. “Volunteering may protect older and less healthy adults from health decline in the long run,” wrote researchers in The European Journal of Aging.
•
•
Additionally, older adults tend to experience less role conflict than younger people when volunteering, because those at younger ages are more likely to be juggling work, parenthood, and other duties. Finally, as people age, their priorities often shift toward activities that afford a greater sense of meaning and purpose — improving their overall well-being. This Volunteer Recognition Day, consider making time for a cause that matters to you. Not only will you serve a worthy mission, but you might just improve your own health in the process!
Why does volunteering have such a strong impact? Researchers cite several key reasons:
KETO LEMON GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN
Inspired by DietDoctor.com
This keto-friendly chicken dish is packed with flavor, healthy fats, and protein. It’s the perfect weeknight option for a quick, tasty meal.
INGREDIENTS
• • • • •
4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
• • • •
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp heavy cream
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, zest and juice
2 tbsp unsalted butter 2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
SOLUTION ON PAGE 2
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 F and season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook 2 more minutes; remove from skillet and set aside. 3. Melt butter in skillet, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Add broth, cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 3 minutes. 4. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and bake in oven for 15–20 minutes or until cooked through (165 F internal temperature). Garnish with parsley before serving.
WHAT DO YOU CALL A DINOSAUR WITH AN EXTENSIVE VOCABULARY? A THESAURUS.
3 attorneyoffice.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator