Regular volunteering
2+ hours/month of volunteer work correlates with reduced mortality risk in older adults.
Why
Cohort studies of volunteering in older adults consistently show mortality risk reductions, partly mediated by purpose, partly by social engagement. Effects appear at modest doses (~2 hours per month) and plateau above 100 hours/year.
Slot in your day
How to do it
How
Pick a cause you care about. Commit to a recurring slot. Solo donating doesn't show the same effect: physical presence and social engagement are the active ingredients.
Markers this may influence
Evidence
Jenkinson 2013 BMC Public Health systematic review and meta-analysis (5 cohort studies in older adults): regular volunteering was associated with ~22–24% lower all-cause mortality vs non-volunteers, alongside improved depression and self-rated health. Effect appears at modest doses (~2 h/month) and plateaus above ~100 h/year. Physical presence matters: solo donating doesn't show the same effect.