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Being good is great

The biblical aphorism that it is better to give than to receive seems particularly apt this time of year, though the truest gift of all – the gift of one’s self – is all the more challenging as the holiday season places more demands on our time. But it is worth considering volunteerism in a broader context, and as with the subject of gratitude (see my post from November 12), there is a body of research literature documenting health benefits to those who volunteer in their communities, especially in later life. The notion of greater benefits to the giver than the receiver is indeed supported by scientific research.

Data from a project known as the Health and Retirement Study at the University of Massachusetts indicate that older adults who volunteer have lower rates of hypertension, a contributing factor to cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. The threshold for this effect appeared to be fairly low, so that even a small time commitment to giving time in community volunteerism conferred the benefit. It was not clear however what mediated the effect, though the researchers found it was not tied to known psychosocial and behavioral risk factors; simply the act of participating was enough.

Benefits from volunteerism are not limited to blood pressure moderation. A recent review found positives in terms of both physical and mental health, leading to lower overall mortality, lower rates of depression, and higher self-rated health scores across the board.

What’s more, even older people with functional limitations experience improvements in several measures by volunteer activities, according to a study from Arizona State University. Looking at more than 900 non-institutionalized individuals with functional disabilities over age 65, the researchers found that volunteering significantly correlated with longevity, with the highest risk of dying in the non-volunteers. They interpreted this to mean that “volunteering buffers the association between functional limitations and mortality.” In other words, it’s more than just feeling useful, though exactly how it translates to physical health improvement remains to be fully defined.

Is volunteering really a matter of life and death? Maybe so.  But most people do so out of a sense of altruism, and a desire to remain engaged in their communities, not out of an expectation of personal gain. What is especially encouraging I think is that even the smallest efforts can reap big gains, including – and perhaps especially – for those with limitations. Oscar Wilde had it right when he wrote “The smallest act of kindness is worth than the grandest intention

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Dr. Berger is a renowned leader in cosmetic and anti-aging medicine, bringing over 25 years of diverse medical experience to his practice. He earned his medical degree from the University of Ottawa and completed advanced training in Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology at McGill University. Dr. Berger was board certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine for two decades and is a diplomat of the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Berger has developed expertise in clinical and medical management, pharmacology, nutraceuticals, emergency medicine, cosmetic surgery, cosmetic medicine, anti-aging, holistic, and regenerative medicine. Dr. Berger’s unique approach blends traditional Western medical training with integrative and preventative therapies, including Eastern Medicine. He is passionate about helping patients achieve both inner health and outer beauty, believing that a balance of anti-aging medicine and non-surgical cosmetic therapies is key to emotional, physical, and mental well-being. By combining the latest medical advancements with holistic care, Dr. Berger empowers his patients to look and feel their best, while also focusing on prevention and long-term wellness.

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With over 25 years of experience in the medical field, Dr. Berger has geared his practice towards the soothing and therapeutic side of cosmetic medicine. By specializing in anti-aging treatment along with cosmetic enhancement, his goal is to help each patient live a long, healthy, and beautiful life. Call us, or complete the form on this page.

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