voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
Why the happiest volunteers are those over the age of 40
Created: 17/04/2024A recent study by the University of Birmingham shows that the positive association between volunteering and good mental health becomes apparent at around the age of 40 and continues into old age. Research participants of the same age who had never volunteered had lower levels of emotional wellbeing compared to those who do volunteer. The study also shows that women volunteer more than men.
The findings take into account a range of other potential influential factors such as marital status, educational attainment, and social class. Previous research has suggested that people who volunteer are likely to have more resources, a larger social network, and more power and prestige, all of which are associated with better health.
The study also shows: