Whether helping out in the community is an after-school activity or a way to spend your retired days, it’s clear that such giving can be a gift for the giver as well as the recipient. However, older individuals may have even more health-related incentives than younger volunteers. The Corporation for National & Community Service says that those participating in volunteer activities as a part of other responsibilities, like parenting, may not experience the same health benefits as older volunteers who do so for personal fulfillment and interest.

Also, while individuals facing mid-life depression are likely to steer clear of volunteer opportunities, those ages 60 and up are expected to use their despair as a starting point for finding ways to get involved.

To further ascertain the health-promoting qualities of giving back for older adults, 128 individuals ages 60 to 86 participated in a 2004 Johns Hopkins Medicine study. The group joined Experience Corps, an award-winning program that places older adults in a position to mentor and tutor children. Their health was then measured. Of the individuals who participated, 44 percent felt stronger after the two-year trial; and most experienced an increase in physical, cognitive and social activity as well.