International Volunteer Day, Dec. 5, is the perfect opportunity to look for ways to give back to your community with the gift of time. Your generous service just might improve your overall well-being!

Research suggests that volunteering can lift your mood and expand your social connections, and it can even benefit your physical health.

When you volunteer, you have more opportunities to meet others and make connections. In addition, volunteering helps you feel effective because you are making a difference in others’ lives. Some research shows that volunteering also reduces depression and increases life satisfaction.

The benefits may be even greater in middle and older age. A 2016 study in Great Britain showed that the link between volunteering and good mental health and emotional well-being becomes particularly noticeable for people at about age 40, continuing beyond age 80. Another study found that older people who are engaged in meaningful and purposeful activities such as volunteering have better thinking skills as they age.

Volunteering is also associated with healthy outcomes. One study found that people who spend at least two hours per week volunteering experience a “helper’s high” that results in lower blood pressure, lower heart rates, reduced stress and reduced tension.

Older adults who volunteer consistently rate their own health better than non-volunteers rate their own health. Those who volunteer also have less prevalence of disease. In addition, people who volunteer to help others tend to live longer.

For your own health and well-being, make a commitment to serving others. If you’re interested in helping neighbors at Aultman Hospital, Aultman Volunteer Services is currently seeking new volunteers to help support caregivers, patients and families. Volunteers are fully trained and serve in a variety of areas performing greeting, clerical and other assistance tasks.

Volunteers are needed in the Breast Care Center, Aultman Deuble Heart & Vascular Hospital, pharmacy, emergency department, guest assistance and mailroom.

For more information and to fill out an application to volunteer at Aultman Hospital, visit aultman.org/volunteer.

If you are interested in volunteering at other Aultman sites, please visit the Aultman Orrville volunteer page or the Aultman Alliance Community Hospital volunteer page.