If you want to slow your biological aging in 2025, try volunteering.
A study of 2,605 men and women aged 62 and older, published in the January edition of Social Science & Medicine, found that those who volunteered one to four hours per week experienced slower biological aging than those who did not volunteer at all. Researchers used advanced tools to measure aging at a cellular level to determine the study participants’ biological age.
Retirees benefited the most, experiencing a greater reduction in biological age by volunteering as little as one hour a week, compared to those who were still working. And regardless of work status, volunteering more than four hours a week was associated with the largest reduction in biological age acceleration.
The study authors concluded that the data, which was gathered from the Health and Retirement Study, shows that volunteering could offer a valuable public health intervention that enhances the health and quality of life for older adults, whether they are still working or retired.
According to Study Finds, volunteering often involves physical activity such as walking, which alone improves health. It also provides social connections, which studies have shown decrease stress and improve cognitive function.
Family volunteering offers a special way to bond with loved ones and help the community, says Dr. Faith Coleman, an expert on women’s and children’s health who is based in Texas. “When family members unite for a worthy cause, their collective power is greater than just adding together the strength of individuals,” she says.
There are many ways and opportunities to make a difference. The first step is finding out what you and your family are passionate about, says Coleman. It could be caring for animals in a local shelter, or volunteering at your local food bank. About 3.5 million people experience homelessness annually in this country and 40% of them are children. Gathering and donating clothing, bedding and transportation can help. Around 10% of Americans go hungry every day. Organizing a canned food drive or preparing bagged lunches for kids in a homeless shelter can make a difference.
The elderly are often a neglected part of our population. Visiting those in senior communities or assisted living facilities can brighten their day. You can offer to read to them, play board or card games, or just listen to their stories.
People who are handy with tools can volunteer to help build and repair houses, shovel snow in the winter or rake autumn leaves.
These organizations can help get your started:
• VolunteerMatch. A wide database of volunteer opportunities across the United States based on preferences.
• Kids That Do Good. An award-winning site that offers opportunities for kids, teens and their families to volunteer in various fields of interest.
• Doing Good Together. An organization that connects families with nonprofits across the country that need volunteers.