Volunteering Linked to Longer Life, Better Health

Doctors say helping others boosts mental and physical well-being

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:09am by

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A minimalist design in the style of Keith Haring where the outline of an elderly person's hand is defined entirely by glowing, vibrant neon lines against a deep, dark background, emphasizing the connection and support provided by volunteers.Volunteers provide a vital lifeline of companionship and assistance for seniors, with benefits that extend to the volunteers' own health and well-being.Portland Today

According to medical experts, volunteering not only benefits communities, but also the volunteers themselves. Studies have shown that people who volunteer may live longer and experience improvements in mental health, stress levels, cardiovascular health, and even a reduced risk of dementia. Volunteers with the nonprofit Honoring Our Precious Elders in the Portland area have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of their work on the seniors they assist.

Why it matters

As National Volunteer Week approaches, this research highlights the significant personal and public health advantages of community service. With an aging population, programs that help seniors remain independent in their homes are increasingly important, and volunteers play a vital role in supporting these efforts.

The details

A study found that volunteering promotes brain plasticity, reduces stress hormones, and lowers blood pressure. One doctor said, 'There was a study that showed that people who volunteer actually live longer.' Volunteering also enhances social connectedness, which can improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of dementia. The nonprofit Honoring Our Precious Elders provides free yard care to seniors in the Portland area, and its volunteers report that their visits are 'almost like a friend visiting' for the elderly clients who often don't see anyone else for weeks.

  • National Volunteer Week is April 19-25, 2026.
  • Honoring Our Precious Elders has been operating for seven years.

The players

Dr. Tracy Muday

Executive Medical Director for Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon.

Hen Truong

Executive Director of the nonprofit Honoring Our Precious Elders.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There are actually some studies that show it's good for our mental health and our physical health as well.”

— Dr. Tracy Muday, Executive Medical Director

“There was a study that showed that people who volunteer actually live longer.”

— Dr. Tracy Muday, Executive Medical Director

“With that social connection, with that reduction in stress and anxiety, we see improvements in cardiovascular health, we see reductions in dementia and just overall improvements in well-being.”

— Dr. Tracy Muday, Executive Medical Director

“It's almost like a friend visiting.”

— Hen Truong, Executive Director

What’s next

Honoring Our Precious Elders is actively recruiting new volunteers to assist seniors in the Portland tri-county area. Those interested can find more information on the organization's website.

The takeaway

This research demonstrates the profound personal and public health benefits of volunteering, providing a compelling case for more people to get involved in their local communities. Programs that support the elderly, like Honoring Our Precious Elders, offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference while also improving one's own mental and physical well-being.