Healthcare providers recommend volunteering for better health

BBC features in its article that acts of altruism have long been associated with personal fulfillment, and recent studies continue confirming the psychological and physical benefits of asissting others.

Some individuals seem naturally happier than others. Friendship offers benefits to people of all ages, but it becomes an especially significant source of happiness in later life. As people grow older, they often reduce their social circles to focus on spending time with those who truly know them. However, studies suggest that staying open to new friendships is beneficial, as these relationships offer distinct advantages compared to family connections, which may sometimes be influenced by obligation. Since friendships are voluntary and free from obligation, they tend to be more enjoyable and less stressful.

While older adults may encounter challenges in meeting new people, there are also factors that make it easier to form friendships in later years: personalities mature, social skills improve, perspectives shift toward greater joy, and we often become more agreeable. Maintaining strong friendships as we age is valuable, as it not only enhances psychological well-being but also boosts cognitive function and physical health. Research consistently indicates that friendships play a role in well-being as significant as family relationships in predicting overall health and happiness in adulthood and old age.

If you're someone who finds it challenging to make friends, sharing a breathtaking experience, like the total solar eclipse that occurred across North America last year, can be a great way to feel more connected to those around you while also fostering positive emotions.

Compassion, often seen as the cornerstone of true friendship, stems from the Latin term for "shared pain" and helps us build deep connections when our friends are in need. However, there is another equally important but lesser-known aspect: "confelicity," as highlighted by David Robson for the BBC. Meaning "shared happiness," this element of relationships is often overlooked but may be just as vital as compassion in nurturing lasting friendships, according to several studies. Actively celebrating a friend's good news and showing genuine interest in it is a key aspect of being a supportive friend. If you respond too passively or downplay their success, you risk damaging the bond.

It's almost become a cliché to say that helping others brings more fulfillment than focusing on your own rewards, but the more we understand altruism, the more this idea seems to hold true. In fact, research has shown that volunteering can have therapeutic effects, even for serious conditions like chronic pain and depression. A 2002 study, for example, found that volunteers assisting others with chronic pain experienced a reduction in their own pain intensity while they were helping. Other studies have also demonstrated that caring for animals can improve health, and tending to houseplants can contribute to well-being, particularly in older adults. 

Some healthcare providers are even prescribing volunteering as a form of "social prescribing"—a method that connects people with community resources and activities. From art classes to cycling groups to assistance with food and utility bills, these activities are increasingly recognized as effective health interventions that could also relieve pressure on healthcare services.

By Naila Huseynova