Exercising the mind and body has long been touted as a means to staying healthy. But it can be hard to find the motivation or interest to do mental or physical exercises just because they’re good for you. There is another solution.
Why not volunteer?
According to a new study being a volunteer can increase your mental and physical activity. It can also improve your overall health. And you don’t need to follow a daily exercise regime.
The study was conducted by Erwin Tan, Assistant Professor of Geriatrics at the Johns Hopkins University. It involved 113 men and women, aged 60 and over. 59 participants were involved in the Experience Corps Baltimore.
Experience Corps Baltimore is a volunteer program designed by the John Hopkins’ Centre for Aging. It places volunteers in kindergarten and grammar-school classrooms .The other 54 participants were not enrolled in a volunteer program and were the control group.
Professor Tan reported that those participants in the volunteer group experienced increased physical and mental activity. Those who were inactive before joining the school volunteer program doubled their physical activity levels during the school year. Participants actually experienced the benefits of exercising the mind and the body.
The study, published in the Journal of Urban Health, also reported that participants in the volunteer program found it easier to tackle activities such as household chores, gardening, and home maintenance. “Volunteering in a grade school may not seem immediately appealing to older Americans,” concluded professor Tan.
“But honestly, our volunteers say it’s an enriching experience, and, it turns out, it may be good for you.” If you’re not already volunteering, maybe you would like to give it a try.
Check with your local seniors centre. You can find out about opportunities there, or get referrals to other community organizations that might need your help.
Next Post: Technology Can Be a Scary Thing
Previous Post: Tea Drinking Can Reduce Your Risk of Gallstones and Biliary Tract Cancers
Tags: anti-aging solutions, exercise
