Introduction
Growing evidence documents strong associations between volunteering and favorable
health and well-being outcomes. However, epidemiological studies have not evaluated
whether changes in volunteering are associated with subsequent health and well-being
outcomes.
Methods
Data were from 12,998 participants in the Health and Retirement Study—a large, diverse,
prospective, and nationally representative cohort of U.S. adults aged >50 years. Using
multiple logistic, linear, and generalized linear regression models, this study evaluated
if changes in volunteering (between t0, 2006/2008 and t1, 2010/2012) were associated with 34 indicators of physical health, health behaviors,
and psychosocial well-being (in t2, 2014/2016). Models adjusted for sociodemographics, physical health, health behaviors,
psychosocial factors, and personality, as well as volunteering and all outcomes in
the prebaseline wave (t0, 2006/2008). Results accounted for multiple testing and data were analyzed in 2019.
Results
During the 4-year follow-up period, participants who volunteered ≥100 hours/year (versus
0 hours/year) had a reduced risk of mortality and physical functioning limitations,
higher physical activity, and better psychosocial outcomes (higher: positive affect,
optimism, and purpose in life; lower: depressive symptoms, hopelessness, loneliness,
and infrequent contact with friends). Volunteering was not associated with other physical
health outcomes (diabetes, hypertension, stroke, cancer, heart disease, lung disease,
arthritis, overweight/obesity, cognitive impairment, and chronic pain), health behaviors
(binge drinking, smoking, and sleep problems), or psychosocial outcomes (life satisfaction,
mastery, health/financial mastery, depression, negative affect, perceived constraints,
and contact with other family/children).
Conclusions
With further research, volunteering is an activity that physicians might suggest to
their willing and able patients as a way of simultaneously enhancing health and society.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 11, 2020
Identification
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© 2020 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
