We know volunteering brightens an older person’s day, but did you know there’s also an amazing array of reasons why it’s a health and wellbeing boost for the volunteer themselves? Some of these findings might surprise you!
Our friends at Volunteering Australia are fans of conducting or commissioning research to support the benefits of volunteering. What they uncover is always worth a read, especially if you’ve been thinking about volunteering but just haven’t quite taken that final step of signing up.
We’re often told the benefits of volunteering are all about making a difference in your community, but it also benefits you personally as it offers the chance to:
- act on your values, passions and interests
- make new friendships and create professional networks
- gain work experience and learn new skills
- enjoy new social and cultural experiences
- develop personally and build confidence
- enjoy better physical and mental health; and
- have fun!
Apparently, just a few hours of volunteer work can make a difference to your happiness and mood. And believe it, research indicates volunteers are happier, healthier and sleep better than those who don’t volunteer. So volunteering can help some people to sleep better? For some people that could be life-changing in itself!
The well-known Mayo Institute’s research also echoes these findings.
They found there’s a clear link between volunteering and its positive impact on both depression levels and sleep quality, with the two factors often being interrelated. How is this possible?
Three health benefits of volunteering
Again, the social interaction, sense of purpose, physical activity and stress reduction volunteering brings are some of the key factors that seem to be at work here. Here’s an overview of how volunteering can affect depression and sleep according to the Mayo Institute’s findings.
Impact on depression – Volunteering is associated with lower rates of depression, especially for older adults. Research has shown volunteering leads to decreased depression and anxiety, particularly in people aged 65-plus [2].
Effects on sleep quality – Volunteers tend to experience improved sleep compared to non-volunteers. Older adults who participate in volunteer activities have been found to have higher sleep efficiency and less nocturnal awakening [1].
The relationship between depression and sleep – The impact of volunteering on depression can indirectly affect sleep quality. Depression is often associated with sleep disturbances, so reducing depression through volunteering may lead to improved sleep.
Our Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme team see this positive impact first-hand in new volunteers, almost on a weekly basis, as part of a regular check-in process to make sure their client-match is working out.
Volunteer Coordinator Janet shares, “It’s a wonderful experience to be able to meet volunteers, match them with a resident and then follow the story of how their friendship is evolving. It begins with small gestures and shared moments, gradually building a foundation of trust and understanding. As these two people discover common interests and values, their friendship grows stronger which eventually creates a sense of belonging and mutual support.”
Kylie adds, “I’m amazed at the amount of patience and kindness our volunteers offer. Volunteering is an amazing expression of kindness. When people offer the gift of their time to help others, they create a ripple effect of positivity and compassion. It not only benefits those in need but also enriches the lives of the volunteers by giving them a sense of purpose and connection. The kindness of volunteering reminds me of the importance of human connection and that we don’t just need a village to raise a child, we need a village for life.”
Have you been convinced to volunteer yet?
Take your next steps by contacting us on 08 9479 7566 to volunteer in the Perth metropolitan area or, if you live in the South West region and wish to join us, find out more by scanning the QR code below or follow this link: https://www.advocare.org.au/volunteer-with-us/
References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8482086/
[2] https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering