Volunteering

This study examined how volunteering impacts loneliness in older adults who feel isolated. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the research involved volunteers aged 50–70 delivering structured psychosocial support to peers for six months. Results showed significant reductions in loneliness and improved psychological well-being for those who volunteered, particularly when they committed to over two hours weekly. While most benefits diminished after 12 months without sustained volunteering, ongoing engagement preserved positive effects. This highlights the potential of structured volunteering to combat loneliness and enhance social connectivity among older adults.

This longitudinal study analyzed data from over 66,000 observations in the UK to explore how volunteering affects mental well-being across different life stages. Findings suggest that volunteering significantly enhances mental health, but benefits are age-dependent. Positive effects were most evident after age 40, continuing into old age. Frequent volunteers showed better mental health than non-volunteers, as measured by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). The study highlights the role of volunteering in fostering purpose, social connections, and resilience, supporting cognitive and emotional health in later life.

This research explores how volunteering promotes psychological well-being through perceived generativity—feeling like a valuable contributor to others' lives. Longitudinal data from the Midlife in the United States study showed that individuals who volunteered across multiple time points experienced greater well-being compared to non-volunteers. Generativity was identified as a partial mediator, suggesting that the act of giving fosters positive self-perception and purpose, contributing to enhanced mental health, especially in older adults.

This longitudinal study assessed the relationship between formal volunteering and cognitive functioning in adults aged 51+. Using data from over 11,000 participants in the Health and Retirement Study, it found that formal volunteering is linked to better cognitive performance, particularly in working memory and processing speed. Women and individuals with lower educational levels benefitted the most. The study suggests that volunteering fosters cognitive resilience by encouraging social, intellectual, and physical engagement, making it a valuable activity for aging adults.

This study investigated whether the cognitive benefits of volunteering stem from the activity itself or if individuals with better cognition are simply more likely to volunteer. Using data from 27,485 participants aged 50+, it was found that volunteering positively impacts overall cognitive function and self-rated memory, even after accounting for selection effects. The benefits were greatest among those volunteering 200+ hours annually. This highlights volunteering as a potential intervention to maintain cognitive health in older adults.

This qualitative systematic review explored how formal volunteering enhances personal well-being, focusing on benefits like social connection, learning, giving, and physical activity. Based on 54 studies, volunteering improves well-being by fostering relationships, boosting self-esteem, and creating a sense of purpose. These activities contribute to identity formation and mental health, making volunteering a key part of social prescribing programs aimed at addressing non-medical challenges such as loneliness or lack of engagement.

This study used panel data to explore the relationship between volunteer work and well-being, focusing on six dimensions: happiness, life satisfaction, self-esteem, sense of control, physical health, and depression. It found that volunteering positively impacts all these aspects of well-being, creating a reciprocal cycle where healthier, more satisfied individuals volunteer more, and volunteering enhances their well-being further. These findings highlight the role of volunteering in fostering emotional and physical health across life stages.

This longitudinal study explored how volunteering impacts older adults' mental health through self-perceptions of aging. Data from 9,017 participants aged 65+ indicated that volunteering 100+ hours annually led to more positive and fewer negative self-perceptions of aging, which in turn reduced depressive symptoms. These findings suggest volunteering helps older adults maintain a sense of purpose and counter negative stereotypes of aging, improving psychological well-being over time.

This study analyzed the impact of volunteering on purpose in life (PIL) among middle-aged and older adults. Data from 2,585 participants aged 40–75+ showed that volunteering through religious organizations and support groups significantly enhanced PIL over a five-year period, after controlling for demographic and health variables. Younger individuals, those in good health, and participants from minority groups reported the greatest increases in PIL. The findings highlight volunteering as a valuable activity for promoting mental well-being and life satisfaction.