Answer :
Donating money and volunteering both have positive effects on health, promoting happiness and long-term well-being. Volunteering is associated with reduced mortality rates and offers both mental and social benefits, such as increased self-esteem and community engagement.
The impact of donating money and volunteering on individuals' health has been a subject of considerable research. It is well-documented that engaging in charitable activities can have beneficial health effects. Happy people are often found to contribute their time and resources to help others, which in return, can lead to an increase in their own happiness and physical well-being. Volunteering, in particular, has been linked with longevity and reduced mortality rates among seniors, who, if they volunteer, are often already healthier than their non-volunteering peers.
Volunteering provides a sense of community and purpose, helping individuals to make new friends, enhance their self-esteem, and feel better about themselves, further promoting their well-being. Furthermore, studies suggest that habitual care for others' well-being, which can manifest through regular volunteering or supporting friends and family, is associated with greater personal happiness.
Exciting possibilities like virtual volunteering offer the chance for those who might otherwise be unable to participate in traditional forms of volunteering due to health or mobility concerns to engage in community service. This form of volunteering can be particularly rewarding as it also enables the volunteers to maintain their identity and stay productive, reversing the negative effects of social isolation and offering meaningful engagements regardless of one's physical location.
Among younger individuals, community service can foster a long-term dedication to volunteering and boost political participation. This can be beneficial not just for personal growth but also for enhancing societal engagement. Finally, the positive outcomes extend beyond mental health, as those who help others tend to live happier and longer lives. All these suggest that both donating and volunteering are beneficial for one's health, although they may offer different experiences and opportunities for social interaction.
