VOLUNTEERING MAKES YOU LIVE LONGER
Research shows that social isolation is linked to a range of negative health outcomes, including heart disease, stroke, depression, and early death. On the other hand, studies show that individuals who regularly engage in volunteering activities tend to have a lower mortality rate than those who do not. I became curious about this impact that service to others can have on our lifespan through my recent interactions with a neighbor who lives across the street.
This neighbor and I used to have brief, polite conversations, but I admit I never made a real effort to understand her. She is in her late 50s, lives alone, and often complained about her family and work. Her frequent complaints made me avoid her when I felt stressed. One day, she stopped me during our usual morning greetings. "You look different…" she said, looking deeply into my eyes.
I shared with her my struggles with apnea and anxiety and how I was transforming my pain into something positive. She began to tear up, and opened up about her own life. She had spent much of her adult life caring for her parents and also living under their strict rules. Her sister, now married to one of the town's wealthiest men, constantly belittled her for being "unable to find a mate." After their parents passed away, her sister came to claim half of their inheritance, forcing her to sell the family home she had lived in her entire life. Coupled with a recent diagnosis of colon cancer, and an upcoming open surgery, she was in deep fear of dying alone.
Wanting to help, I gave her my number and asked if she could assist me in walking my two dogs in the mornings. She hesitated at first but agreed. Over the weeks, we shared our sadness, anger, and fears. She became one of the very few people whom I could admit my shortcomings to, as I was for her. I introduced her to the practices I learned at 4D University, which slowly began to resonate with her. She started to smile more and complain less. With the arrival of spring, she ventured out of her comfort zone to volunteer as the PR manager for our town's Cherry Blossom Festival, making new connections and even securing local TV coverage for the event. She stopped seeing herself as a victim and started exploring ways to enjoy life.
She started to embrace a healthier lifestyle, eating well and exercising, which brought new vitality to her life. Her complaints about her family and job disappeared, replaced by a fresh, new sense of positivity. In a surprising turn of events, her doctors decided to change her operation to a less invasive endoscopic surgery, marking a major step in her healing journey.
My neighbor's transition to health showed me the transformative power of service to others. Volunteering is often promoted for its benefits to society, but its impact on our physical health is equally important. I have been reminded that even in our darkest moments, the light of community can lead us to a brighter path.
