FEATURE: Volunteering Once a Week Help s You Live Longer & Happier!New research shows that just one weekly activity could help you live a longer, happier life: volunteering! A new study found that volunteering, even for just an hour a week, can lead to slower biological aging, especially among retirees. Volunteering can help you live longer thanks to a combination of physical, social, and psychological benefits. Additionally, the more someone volunteers, the greater the positive impact on their health and wellbeing. While the physical activity involved in many volunteer opportunities is very beneficial, the social activity involved has also shown to have pronounced benefits for well-being. People are becoming more and more isolated leading to loneliness and volunteering gives them a way to meet and make connections, many of which become lasting friendships. Volunteering also provides people with a sense of purpose, helping them make a direct impact in their community supporting a cause they care about. This provides a psychological lift that is so good for our mental health. In short volunteering is so good for your heart. You can read more on the health benefits of volunteering here. Join us this month in the parks to give back to the parks, your community, and yourself! Find a volunteer opportunity below and get involved or join us at one of two February Volunteer Open Houses to meet with a Volunteer Coordinator. We'll help you find the right opportunity for you, complete your volunteer onboarding and get started! Not sure about attending a Volunteer Open House yet, check out our brand-new information sessions - a brief introduction to volunteering with Five Rivers MetroParks with no commitment to service.
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