February 22, 2019

New Study Reports Health Benefits of Volunteering for Lower-Income Older Adults Results from an independent study sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service reveal that Senior Corps volunteers are not only improving the lives of others, they are also improving their own! This national study collected data from 1,200 first-time Senior Corps Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers. Nearly all volunteers serving through the Senior Corps programs reported household incomes of twenty thousand dollars or less. Senior Corps volunteers reported significantly higher self-rated health scores, compared to older adults in similar circumstances who do not volunteer.  In addition, volunteers reported that their service provided opportunities for personal growth and a sense of accomplishment. Other key findings include: 84 percent of Senior Corps volunteers reported improved or stable health after serving approximately two years in the program. 88 percent of Senior Corps volunteers who first reported a lack of companionship reported a decrease in feelings of isolation. This independent research also includes a Senior Companion Program caregiver study that highlights that respite services provided by Senior Companion volunteers positively impact the health and well-being of family caregivers. To learn more about these research studies visit: SeniorCorps.gov/HealthyVolunteers. Back to top