People who volunteer live longer, study suggests

People who volunteer for selfless reasons, such as helping others, live longer than those who don't lend a helping hand, a new study shows.

The findings showed that those who volunteered for altruistic reasons had lower mortality rates than people who did not volunteer, says the lead author, Sarah Konrath of the University of Michigan.

The new research, published by the American Psychological Association, also considered socioeconomic status, mental health, social support, marital status and health risk factors, including smoking, body mass index and alcohol use.

CEO of Save the Children New Zealand says that volunteers in New Zealand play a crucial role in helping Save the Children in its work:

“We are always looking for volunteers to fill a range of roles and to find new and fun ways to raise money for children in need – whether it’s working in one or our shops, mentoring young people, or fundraising and helping with events that raise awareness of our work,” Ms Gibbs says.

“Every single hour our volunteers donate makes a huge difference. We couldn't do what we do without the help of generous volunteers who give up their time to help Save the Children.”


Notes to editors

Volunteering is fun and a great way to meet new friends and to learn new skills. People interested in volunteering and fundraising for Save the Children can call us on 0800 167 168 or email us at fundraise@savethechildren.org.nz.

Save the Children is the world's leading independent organisation for children. We have members in 29 countries making a difference to children's lives in over 120 countries, including New Zealand and the Pacific. Save the Children's vision is a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation. For more information about our work, visit www.savethechildren.org.nz

The American Psychological Association researcher examined data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, which followed a random sample of 10,317 Wisconsin high school students from their graduation in 1957 until the present. The sample is 51.6 percent female, with an average age of 69.16 years in 2008. Click here for more information on the study: http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2011/09/volunteering-health.aspx