When you volunteer your time and energy to help others, you usually feel good. Well, now University of Michigan scientists have discovered that volunteering also adds years to your life. In a study of more than 1000 people, those who volunteered 40 hours a year (that's less than 45 minutes per week) lived an average of eight years longer than those who didn't. Scientists aren't sure exactly why, but they speculate that the friendships, new experiences and rush of good feelings associated with volunteering keep you healthy by lowering your blood pressure and heart rate - and just plain make life worth living.
In our own lives, each of us was touched by someone-other than our parents-who introduced us to new worlds and brought a little magic into our lives. As a Big Brother, Big Sister or School Mentor, you can do the same for a child. And you will both be forever changed by the experience.
An on-line application is coming soon. In the meantime, please contact the agency at 231-2442 for more information about how you can become a mentor.
