Researchers have established that there is an association between generous emotions, helping behavior, and longevity.
The two big culprits that speed the aging process are Free Radicals and Inflammation, both of which result from making unhealthy lifestyle choices. But remarkable research shows that oxytocin (that we produce through acts of kindness) reduces levels of free radicals and inflammation in the cardiovascular system and so slows aging at the source. Incidentally, these two culprits also play a major role in heart disease so this is also another reason why kindness is good for the heart.
People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease. People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44 percent lower likelihood of dying—and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status, and many more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church; it means that volunteering is nearly as beneficial to our health as quitting smoking!
REFERENCES
Benson, Peter L., E. Gil Clary, and Peter C.Scales, “Altruism and Health: Is There a Link During Adolescence,” in Altruism and Health: Perspectives from Empirical Research, ed. Stephen G. Post (New York: Oxford University Press, 2007).
Dr. David R. Hamilton. The 5 Side Effects of Kindness. May 2011. drdavidhamilton.com/the-5-side-effects-of-kindness/
Christine Carter, Author, “Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and
Happier Parents”.