Volunteering - the beneficial side effects | Eric Cooper | TEDxSanAntonio
This TedX Talk argues that to live as long and as well as you can, start to volunteer. Not only will you make a difference in your community, but you will benefit from the side effects of service.
The video features a speaker who has been working for a non-profit organization for the past 25 years, highlighting the importance of volunteering. The speaker shares a story about an 84-year-old volunteer who tells inappropriate jokes but brings warmth to the organization. The speaker emphasizes that volunteering goes beyond just a warm feeling, with 64 million Americans donating 8 billion hours of their time last year, valued at $175 billion in economic impact.
The speaker discusses the health benefits of volunteering, citing research that suggests volunteers experience greater health benefits than those who receive support. Seniors who mentor children improve their stamina, memory, and flexibility, while 10th graders who volunteer in after-school programs see improvements in weight and cholesterol profiles. Researchers have found that volunteers live longer and receive health benefits beyond traditional medical care.
To maximize health benefits from volunteering, the speaker advises making a connection with a cause you are passionate about, ensuring the volunteering is voluntary and altruistic, and volunteering between 100-200 hours a year. The speaker shares a touching story of a man who found purpose and healing through volunteering at the Food Bank after experiencing a tragic loss.
In conclusion, the speaker urges viewers to consider volunteering as a way to not only benefit their own health but also make a positive impact on others. The power of service to heal and bring purpose is emphasized, with the speaker suggesting that volunteering should be considered alongside diet and exercise as a prescription for overall well-being. The message is clear: volunteering is not only beneficial for the community but also for the individual's physical and mental health.