 
Our Healthier, Happier Senior Corps Volunteers
A new report released this week by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) provided more evidence that Senior Corps volunteering has benefits that improve the health and well-being of people age 55 and older.
According to the research, Senior Corps volunteers report much higher self-rated health scores, which is considered a valid marker of actual health, compared to older adults who don't volunteer. They also reported feeling significantly less depressed and isolated compared to non-volunteers.
A companion study determined that caregivers found the assistance of Senior Companions beneficial and for some, the respite provided by our volunteers even improved their health.
You can learn more about these Senior Corps Health Benefit studies on our website.
"Senior Corps volunteers are not only improving the lives of others, they are also improving their own," said Senior Corps Director Deborah Cox-Roush. "These volunteers are feeling healthier and less depressed. What's also exciting is they say they feel less socially isolated, which we know has important health benefits."
This study adds to the body of research that found health benefits from volunteering. All of our Senior Corps Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and RSVP volunteers are assets to the communities they serve. The wellness gains they get for their selfless acts show that good things really do happen to good people.
"Our Senior Corps volunteers have a decades-long history of setting examples for all of us to follow by serving our friends and neighbors," said CNCS CEO Barbara Stewart. "We are grateful for the generosity of our super seniors and their commitment to making a difference in their communities."
In service,
Mike Cys
Director, Office of External Affairs
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