Uploaded May 2016 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In the famous Tecumseh study of almost three thousand people by psychology researcher James House (et al. 1988) at the University of Michigan, an interesting tidbit of information emerged. While this study focused on a different topic—the health benefits of social support—one of the variables they uncovered was that volunteer activities were among the most powerful predictors of reduced morbidity and mortality in men. In fact, they discovered that, more than any other single activity, doing regular volunteer work correlated with better health and longevity. The men who did no volunteer work were two and a half times as likely to die during the time period of the study as the men who did volunteer work, even just a couple of hours a week.
Reference: House J, Landis K, and Umberson D. Social relationships and health. Science, 1988;241:540-545.
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The purpose of these videos and my website is to provide evidence-based information on how to live with self-care mastery. It is for all medical patients, caregivers, and advocates who want to learn how to collaborate with physicians to optimize the efficacy of your medical care.
In the famous Tecumseh study of almost three thousand people by psychology researcher James House (et al. 1988) at the University of Michigan, an interesting tidbit of information emerged. While this study focused on a different topic—the health benefits of social support—one of the variables they uncovered was that volunteer activities were among the most powerful predictors of reduced morbidity and mortality in men. In fact, they discovered that, more than any other single activity, doing regular volunteer work correlated with better health and longevity. The men who did no volunteer work were two and a half times as likely to die during the time period of the study as the men who did volunteer work, even just a couple of hours a week.
Reference: House J, Landis K, and Umberson D. Social relationships and health. Science, 1988;241:540-545.
Get a FREE Preview of "In Your Own Hands..." inyourownhands.com/free-preview
The purpose of these videos and my website is to provide evidence-based information on how to live with self-care mastery. It is for all medical patients, caregivers, and advocates who want to learn how to collaborate with physicians to optimize the efficacy of your medical care.
