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| News & Events |
| November 11, 2008
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| VOLUNTEERS LIVE HAPPIER AND HEALTHIER LIVES |
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By Alice Beck, Niagara Hospice Director of Volunteer Services
Did you know that volunteering can be good for you? Volunteer work is a known strategy to help deal with stress. And who doesn’t have some stress these days? Donating your time and effort to someone else or a cause you believe in can elevate your spirits, helping you to better cope with stress. Your gift of time and talent is rewarded by the smiles on the faces of those individuals you help. Volunteers who get energized by the work they do are better able to put their problems in perspective. The old saying, “There’s always someone worse off than you,” is often found by volunteers to be true. Knowing the challenges that other people face can make your own troubles seem minor in comparison.
Volunteering can even be good for your health according to a Corporation for National & Community Service report that is the result of more than 30 studies on the topic. The report states that older people who volunteer enjoy longer lives, higher functional ability, and lower rates of depression and heart disease. Part of the reason is the socialization that volunteering can provide.
In our American culture, older people often find themselves isolated and alone. These are proven risk factors for depression and other health problems. Two of the volunteer studies indicate that just two hours of volunteer activity a week can provide a health benefit.
Helping others also brings about positive change in our community. Margaret Mead said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to celebrate those who provide hospice and palliative care to those in our community. Much of that care is provided by volunteers and all of us at Niagara Hospice applaud each and every one of them for their dedication and their investment of time and talents.
If you would like to learn more about Niagara Hospice and the volunteer opportunities available, visit the website at www.niagarahospice.org. There are many charitable organizations in our community. I urge you to consider what type of volunteer activities would make you feel a sense of accomplishment and seek out the organization that is the best fit for you. |
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