Religious People Live Longer

Ohio State University scientists have examined two samples of more than 1600 obituaries looking for religion, marital status and social activities. They found religious people lived an average of 5.64 years longer than nonbelievers. When controlled for gender and marital status the advantage was 3.82 years. Religious values, prayer and mediation, and volunteerism may all help…

Volunteering Promotes Health in Older Adults

Seniors who volunteered in elementary schools teaching children to read for 15 hours a week for 9 months, were found to have better physical condition than before volunteering. Those in fair health prior to volunteering improved the greatest, with improved strength and energy, walking speed and stair-climbing.PositiveTip: Volunteering to help others improves both mental and physical vitality of seniors.

Helping Others, Helps Your Brain, Too!

A study conducted at Johns Hopkins University demonstrated amazing short-term results in 17 women, age 65 or older who were at high risk for cognitive impairment. Eight of the ladies volunteered with Experience Corps to help children for 15 hours per week in urban public schools in Baltimore. Each participant had a MRI brain scan…