Imagine being able to slow down your biological ageing process by just one hour a week. How? All you have to do is volunteer. Besides extending your life, it can also make those years more meaningful.
Volunteering doesn’t just offer health benefits, but it can also boost your sense of purpose, improve mental well-being, lift your mood, and strengthen social connections, all while making a positive impact on the world. And if you can spare a few more hours each week, the rewards are even greater. A recent study published in Social Science and Medicine found that volunteering for as little as one hour per week is linked to slower biological ageing.
(Also read: 78-year-old doctor reveals how he reversed his age by 20 years with 6 simple lifestyle habits ) Understanding biological age Biological age measures how fast your cells and tissues are ageing compared to your actual chronological age. Unlike chronological age, which counts the years you’ve lived, biological age reflects the impact of lifestyle and environmental factors on your DNA—something assessed through epigenetic testing. How volunteering can slow ageing Experts believe volunteering slows biological ageing through a mix of physical, social, and psychological benefits.
Many volunteer activities involve movement, such as walking, which supports physical health. Social connections formed while volunteering also play a crucial role, as humans are naturally wired for interaction. These connections help lower stress .
