"...volunteering improves the health, happiness, and in some cases, the longevity of volunteers."
Reading through everyone's responses to my question about what makes you happy, I found that several people find that helping others makes them happy.
So why does volunteering make us happy, and what is our motivation to help others?
Should you choose to comment on this post for credit under blog comments, please complete the following:
- Read this article.
- Provide a summary of what you read, in your own words.
- If you volunteer (or help others through other means - for example, helping a friend with a homework assignment), which of the 5 listed reasons why people volunteer apply to you? Do more than one apply to you?
- The article addresses the health benefits of volunteering in the late adult/elderly populations. What are your thoughts on this? Do you know an older person who volunteers regularly? Why do you think they volunteer?
- The article also addresses the idea that volunteering can be a self-focused behavior, as opposed to a simple act of altruism. What are your thoughts on this? Do you think all volunteers have self-focused motives?
If you volunteer, give yourself a pat on the back and keep up the good work. If you are thinking of volunteering, do it!
The article titled "Why Helping Others Makes Us Happy," Moeller informs his audience of the reasons people volunteer and the benefits of volunteering at different ages. There are five reasons people volunteer. Three of the reasons pertain to the person volunteering to benefit themselves:
ReplyDelete"1. Understanding: the desire to learn new things and acquire knowledge.
2. Esteem enhancement: feeling better about yourself and finding greater stability in life.
3. Personal development: acquiring new skills, testing your capabilities, and stretching yourself."
The other two reasons pertain to the person volunteering to help others:
"4. Sense of community: making the world, or your piece of it, better.
5. Humanitarian values: serving and helping others, often with a strong religious component."
When it comes to benefits of volunteering at different ages, Moeller says that children who volunteer are likely to grow into adults that volunteer, and adults who volunteer have a raised self-esteem, fulfill longevity by being socially and physically active, and are provided with the sense that they've made a difference in the world.
In high school, I volunteered at the local food pantry, through my church youth group by doing yard work and preparing and delivering carol-o-grams, and as the Britton-Area Senior Snow Queen by serving meals and organizing/putting on community events with the local Britton Action Club and the Lions' Club. I recently joined a team of coaches in the Vermillion community that runs Girls on the Run for girls in grades 3-5. When deciding to volunteer, I feel that the reasoning behind it in my case was number 5, Humanitarian Values. I do, however, believe that I achieved everything listed in the other reasons. When thinking of myself, I'd say the reason I choose to volunteer would be number 3, Personal Development.
I think that volunteering as an adult/elderly person would benefit one's health. There is a lady in my hometown community who volunteers quite a bit, and I think she does it for more than one reason. One reason being, she has the biggest heart and just loves to help others. Another reason being, she is very healthy and physically active and she likes to keep busy. She is a very happy lady, and I'm sure that has a lot to do with it!
I think all volunteers have to have a minor self-focus motive when choosing to volunteer. For example, one might have two opportunities to volunteer on the same day, and choose to volunteer at one because he or she thinks they would enjoy it more than the other option. Many people I know don't volunteer because they feel they do not have time. I feel that if a person were fully self-focused, they would not choose to volunteer. I believe there is always at least a little self-focus and/or other-focus when choosing to volunteer, one powering over the other depending on the person and situation.
Volunteering as always been thought of as people wanting to help others, but current research reveals that some selfish motives play an important role as well. Volunteering is associated with positive benefits, such as improving health and happiness. Volunteering can also have long lasting affects on children, even unwilling ones. If children volunteer when they are young, they are more likely to continue to volunteer as they get older.
ReplyDeleteResearch shows that there is five main reasons people volunteer, three are “self-focused” and two are “other-focused”. When a person focuses on others when volunteering, they get higher rates of endorsement, but length of service is predicted from the self-focused people. Research actually shows that volunteering may add years to a person’s life. This is accounted to staying physically and socially active, giving people a network. Forming simple goals can help people stay motivated to volunteer and continue doing so for the years to come.
I volunteer because I like to think that I can make a difference in the world and better a piece of it through my actions. I enjoy helping others who cannot help themselves. I was raised in the Lutheran church and believe that it is my Christian duty to reach out to others in need.
I agree with the author’s claims that volunteering has positive benefits, mentally and physically. My grandma is 83 and is still a very active member in her church. She is always helping out, cooking food, delivering food, making blankets, and counting money. I believe she volunteers because she is a devote Christian and wants to help others. She believes she is very blessed so she should give back to her community.
I also agree with the author that people volunteer as a self-focused act. They want friends or family to think they are a good person. Some people would rather be glorified, rather than their work be glorified and appreciated. I don’t think all volunteers have self-focused motives, but many people do volunteer for the wrong reasons.
The act of kindness is displayed each and every day all across the world in so many different ways that are unimaginable. Philip Moeller describes in this particular article “Why Helping Others Makes Us Happy,” the strong positive benefits of volunteering and how it can personally improve the health, happiness, and lifespan of an individual. Volunteering provides within oneself a higher self esteem and a commitment to provide a better quality of life. Allen Omoto of Claremont Graduate University states that there are five main reasons people volunteer. They do it to understand the desire to learn new things and acquire knowledge, esteem enhancement, personal development, a sense of community, and humanitarian values with the thought of serving others with a strong religious component.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in a family where we always looked out for others before ourselves. That act of generosity has been instilled in me and I try to carry it out every day. My first volunteer experience took place by being a part of the Dakota Kids 4-H Club at the age of eight. 4-H strives to build leaders for today, tomorrow, and the future. We volunteered through acts of community service in Day County. I was very active in my high school clubs and organizations. During my sophomore year in high school, I got to partake in an event that has truly changed my life. HOBY is a leadership seminar that takes place in South Dakota every summer for high school sophomores. This organization has got me to the point that I am today. I have volunteered at HOBY for the past five years, I organized an Alex’s Lemonade Stand for our Day County Fair, I volunteered at the Bethesda Nursing Home this past summer, I currently serves at USD’s Lost and Found Chapter Vice President of events and fundraising, applying for Big Pal/ Little Pal, and the Vermillion Sanford Hospital.
I think that the reason that best applies to my life is doing volunteer work for personal development; acquiring new skills, testing my own capabilities, and stretching myself. I try to expand my horizons and build on my weak points. I also think that the esteem enhancement applies to my lifestyle, as well. I enjoy having a strong foundation to build upon my strengths.
As the previous article has mentioned, volunteering at an older age is beneficial for their health and fulfillment in life. They love to know that they are able to help someone in need. My childhood babysitter is a regular volunteer at a consignment store in my hometown. She has mentioned to me before that she really enjoys doing it because it keeps her busy. I think she truly volunteers out of the goodness of her heart and because it is something she can look forward to.
Volunteering can be done for many different reasons; for the bettering of others or to build a resume. Both aspects are looked upon differently by each individual’s morals and attitude towards the act of volunteering. I think each person needs to analyze what their reasoning for volunteer work is and if you can reflect upon that with an honest response, you are doing it for the best intentions. I encourage everyone to volunteer for the fulfillment of others needs and a stronger awareness of the situations affecting today’s changing world.
After reading through the article “Why Helping Others Makes Us Happy,” I discussed with a few other people why they chose to volunteer. I am a Community Advisor, so it was interesting to ask a couple of my residents and other CAs why they chose to volunteer. My residents suggested they felt obligated to volunteer and simply wanted to give back. They said that if they feel forced to volunteer, they are much less likely to volunteer their time. I feel like I should have asked a few more people on their thoughts, if I wanted to make this an actual psychology-related experiment.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy volunteering and agree with the five reasons for volunteering:
1. Understanding: I am a very curious person and simply enjoy learning new things. I want to understand other people’s perspectives and always find them interesting, because I may have never thought of it in such a way.
2. Esteem enhancement: Volunteering definitely does make me “feel better about myself” and gives me the opportunity to give back.
3. Personal development: I am always up for a challenge, and sometimes I believe finding a balance between school, family, and friends is a challenge. Finding the time to volunteer presents its own challenge, and I gladly accept it and grow from each experience.
4. Sense of community: Working on projects usually brings people together. If the group agrees, the project becomes much easier. I have been in various volunteering projects and when the group agrees, everything goes much smoother. Either way, group projects force people to work together creating a true sense of community.
5. Humanitarian values: I am a religious person and have volunteered for various religious purposes.
One of my favorite volunteer projects was building a haunted house in high school. Although I have done various service projects, I was in charge of the haunted house. I thoroughly enjoyed planning everything and remember spending several hours after school and practice each night. Another volunteer project that I thoroughly enjoyed would be my time at the nursing home and SESDAC. I am definitely a people person and take advantage of the time I get to interact with others.
Volunteering I figured was just a way for people to helps others, and it is, but it is also helps people motivate themselves to do better. But everyone volunteers for different reasons whether they do it for themselves or they have to do it like if they get into trouble with the law. I also thought when I volunteered it made me so good about myself, it always give me a self-eestem boost.Other then volunteering for my self-eestem, I do it to for me personal development, I like to see sometimes what I can and cannot do.
ReplyDeleteI think there are many health benefits for older people when it comes to volunteering. Just like anyone else they like to give back and feel wanted. I work as a CNA at a nursing home and there we have so many of the residents like that to help hold some of the towels in the morning. It gets them out of their rooms and socializing with everyone. And that is a example of a health benefit to get them out moving around and laughing with the others.
I think volunteering is self-focused too. You have to choose something that you like to do to want to volunteer at doing or helping with it. Like in high school I would volunteer to help at little girl camps during the summer, but if I didn't like basketball it would not be fun for me. So you have to focus on yourself and know what you like in order to do your best while volunteering.
The article “Why Helping Others Makes Us Happy” is about the benefits of volunteering. Volunteering benefits people of all ages from helping at-risk youth stay away from drugs, alcohol, and getting good grades to elderly individuals increasing their activity and social levels. Moeller then discusses the five reasons that people volunteer. Three of the five reasons are “self-focused,” while the other two are “other-focused.” While most people think of volunteering as helping others, many people actually volunteer for selfish reasons which are help explained by the “self-focused” reasons that people volunteer.
ReplyDeleteThroughout high school, I volunteered regularly with many organizations including the Sioux Falls Miracle League, at the hospital rocking babies in the NICU, and on the children’s unit. I have also volunteered at the Banquet a few times while in college.
Of the five reasons that people volunteer, I believe that Understanding, Esteem enhancement, personal development, and sense of community apply to why I volunteer.
I think volunteering for the elderly population is great. It allows them to get out, socialize, and be active doing something they enjoy. I think for them it does have great health benefits because when people lose contact with people and become lonely, they tend to go out less, which leads to inactivity and eventually early death. Even if the individuals have lost contact with friends, they still have the social aspect to look forward to, which means they are going to be active, and staying active is an important key to staying young. I do not personally know an elderly person that volunteers regularly, but I believe that most elderly individuals volunteer because it is something for them to do and they are able to get out and socialize. I do not believe many of them realize the health benefits that come from them regularly volunteering.
I do think most volunteer acts are “self-focused,” but I do not think that is a bad thing. People are going to volunteer with organizations that they feel passionate about or that they can learn from. If someone is not passionate about an organization, he/she is not going to work as hard or put in as much time into the volunteer work, and may eventually just quit volunteering all together. Even though most people say they are just volunteering to help others, I do believe ultimately everybody has selfish reasons for volunteering.
The article “Why Helping Others Makes Us Happy” by Philip Moeller describes numerous reasons and benefits of volunteering. Research has found there are five main reasons individuals volunteer, three are self-focused, and two are other focused. Volunteering provides various advantages, including longevity and improved self-esteem. I have been able to volunteer in several different settings, and I have experienced each of the five main reasons for volunteering stated in the article. In high school, I coordinated and organized a local AWANA. AWANA is a non-denominational worship night where grade school children have game time, classroom time, and group worship. I started the program based on the two “other focused” goals. I wanted to improve my community by providing a special place for children to learn. However, throughout the program, I also benefited from the three “self-focused” motives.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do not personally know an older individual who regularly volunteers, the social, emotional, and physical advantages presented in this article suggest volunteering should be an integral part of every individual’s life. Individuals may have different motives for volunteering; some may be self-focused, whereas others may be completely altruistic. Regardless of the motive, it is evident that the benefits from each of the reasons can usually be achieved, i.e. even if an individual volunteers because they wish to acquire a new skill, they could be helping others and improving the community, thus deriving multiple benefits.
This article "Why Helping Others Makes Us Happy" explains the benefits and reasons for volunteering. The five main reasons for one wanting to volunteer are also described.
ReplyDeleteHaving volunteered a couple summers ago, I know that each of the five main reasons applied to the reason that I volunteered. I volunteered in a field that would benefit me in my future career as a social worker. I knew volunteering as a wayfinder would help me feel better about myself. I acquired great skills while completing my tasks as a wayfinder. Helping people find their way around the hospital as well as delivering flowers made the hospital environment a better place. Helping others find their way around the hospital made their visit that much more easy, especially the dialysis patients.
I believe the elderly volunteering is a great thing for them. Working in a nursing home, I see how important it is for the elderly to have a sense or a purpose. I saw plenty of elderly volunteering while I volunteered myself at Sanford. They all enjoyed themselves and rarely saw anything as a task, but more of something they love to do.
I think many people volunteer simply for the resume addition, or need to apply for a program. In order to apply for the social work program, you had to acquire so many hours of volunteer work. I know that many people volunteer simply to fulfill that requirement more than for the self-fulfillment.
The article "Why Helping Others Makes Us Happy" explains the main reasons why people choose to volunteer. The article talks about the affects that volunteering has on people. It shows that volunteering not only improves peoples psychological well-being, but it also improves peoples health. The article also talks about the five main reasons for why people choose to volunteer.
ReplyDeleteBeing a volunteer in the past, I know which of the five reasons people volunteer apply to me. I volunteer for esteem enhancement. I know that after I volunteer it makes me feel better about myself. Knowing that I did something for someone else, rather than myself. I also volunteer for personal development. I feel as if volunteering has strengthened me as a person because I learn how to put all of my problems aside and do things that would benefit others. The last reason why I volunteer is to feel a sense of community. When I volunteer I feel as if I make the world a little bit better each time.
The article address health benefits for adult/elderly populations. I believe everything in this article to be true to what it said about adult/elderly populations and health benefits. As some adult/ elderly people become older they start to live on their own. I think that when they begin to volunteer and help people, they feel in a sense that they are no longer alone, and it makes them feel happy. Since they feel happy it will make their overall health better. I personally do not know any adults/elderly people who volunteer.
The article also addresses the idea that volunteering can be a self-focused behavior, as opposed to a simple act of altruism. I believe that some people volunteer because they genuinely care about helping other people. I also believe that some people volunteer because they are forced to. I don't believe that all people volunteer because they have a joy in doing so.
The article "Why Helping Others Makes Us Happy" is about the benefits of volunteering and why people volunteer. Some of the benefits of volunteering are it improves a persons self-esteem, health, happiness, and longevity. There are also education and social benefits that come from volunteering. The article lists 5 reasons why people volunteer. The three self-focused ones are:understanding, esteem enhancement, and personal development. The other focused reasons are: sense of community and humanitarian values.
ReplyDeleteI volunteer for a number of reasons. I like to meet new people and learn new things. Helping others and seeing the smile on their faces makes me feel good.
In the past, I have noticed there are quite a few elderly people that volunteer. I believe them volunteering is good for them and the people they are helping. I think that they volunteer because they aren't as busy as they use to be and they get lonely and bored. I also think that most of the elderly population are just kind hearted and want to give back. I think that people volunteer for both self-focused motives and other focused motives. Overall, I believe that volunteering is all together a positive thing, there are no negatives. I encourage people to get out there and do as much volunteering as possible!
Volunteering is just one way that individuals can help others and be active in their communities. In the article "Why Helping others makes us happy" it is discussed that volunteering can make people happy and even have health benefits. The author talks about how volunteering can have positive effects on people not only from the community service aspect but also in life. He says that it is beneficial for parents to get their children involved in community work at a young age, because that will lead them to participate more in school and also in life. He also points out that people who volunteer have higher self-esteem and are more active in school and life. Volunteering is also said to be good for elderly people to keep their minds and bodies active. This makes total sense because if they have something to focus on it keeps them going.
ReplyDeleteI would say that when I help people or volunteer for things my number one motive is sense of community and humanitarian values and then the esteem enhancement comes after that. I like volunteering and getting involved because I know there are people out there that need help. I like making their lives more enjoyable. It also is just a good feeling to do something meaningful and helpful.
I think that it is great to get older people involved in things such as volunteering. My grandma is a substituted teacher at the schools in my home town. She is almost 73 but doesn’t act like it all. The kids keep her young and busy. My grandpa also volunteer s at our elementary school and reads to the kids. He is also in his 70’s and doesn’t act like it. I believe that them being around kids and staying busy has really helped them stay active. It makes total sense to have older people be involved in things, because it gives them something to look forward to each day, especially the individuals whose spouses have died or that don’t have family close. It also keeps their brains working and minds sharp. I’ve seen many people who get put into a nursing home and their minds just deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. So it’s great when they get out and do stuff or people come to them and interact with them.
I think that older people volunteer to keep busy and to feel like theyre involved. Once people get to a certain age they sometimes reflect on life and decide they need to be making a difference. Its important that older people know that even though they may not be able to do a lot of things anymore they are still needed and appreciated. This is needed to keep their moral up.
I don’t think that all volunteers have self-focused motives. I believe that there are some people out there that are really doing it for the cause. I also think that there are those few people that only do it to look good as well, and to feel important. Even if those people are just doing it to look good, they are still helping a cause and making a difference.
The article begins by explaining the importance of volunteering at a young age. It also explains how people who volunteer early in life even for the wrong reasons are more likely to continue volunteering as they age. The article then elaborates explaining the benefits of volunteerism on the one’s wellbeing. It is not only advantageous to society but the individual completing the act. Volunteering was elucidated as increasing happiness, self-esteem, and focus.
ReplyDeleteOut of the five reasons for people to volunteer I think that esteem enhancement, sense of community, and humanitarian values are the three most significant is in my life. I always feel better after helping others even with something I had no desire to do. I also feel that the community as a whole, especially one you have been a part of for a long period of time, is a fantastic persuader in volunteering. Finally helping others specifically the less fortunate is important to me and a great use of time.
Volunteering at an old age is advantageous in any community. When older people volunteer it is keeping them active, which is a great health benefactor. Also I feel like older people have more time so volunteering is something productive they can do while helping others. I know many older people who volunteer and most of them do this because they have been for many years. My grandparents volunteer at church and they do it because they love being involved in the community and helping the less fortunate. I do feel like people have self-motivated reasons for volunteering such as to look good for others or because of a requirement for class or work. I do think people volunteer for non-beneficial reasons but I feel like they normally have a self-fulfilling reason for doing it.
In my opinion this article talks about the multiple benefits of volunteering from improved self-esteem to increased happiness. One of the people sited in the story talks about how volunteering would seem to go against our basic self-interest but at the same time the benefits can be based on self interest. The article goes on to state that no matter how or why someone volunteers it seems to be beneficial to him or her. There are 5 main reasons people seem to volunteer three of them are self-focused and two are other-focused. They include understanding, esteem enhancement, personal development, sense of community, and humanitarian values.
ReplyDeleteI have been involved in many volunteer activities throughout my life. These activities include leading a Girl Scout troup, being an usher at my church, teaching Sunday school, working with a preschool program, and many other things. Each activity has a different reason behind it. Working with Girl Scouts was mainly focused on my sense of community and bettering the lives of the girls I worked with. Teaching Sunday school on the other hand was much more of a personal development piece as I got to hone different skills that I hadn’t gotten to use before. I really liked that this article talked about elderly volunteers.
My aunt is now in her late 60’s and still volunteers by going to the senior citizen center in her hometown and styling the ladies hair. She used to be a cosmetologist so this was right up her alley. She really enjoys the chance she gets to talk with them and make them feel beautiful. It is both an act of altruism and a self-fulfilling act. I feel that all volunteering is that way. If the people volunteering got absolutely nothing out of it I don’t think they would continue to do so. Whether they get something tangible or just a good feeling they are gaining something from the experience.
This article begins with talking about the importance of children at young ages learning about and participating in volunteer activities. It also goes on to say, as people get older, volunteering should still be apart of everyone's lives. It also explains how volunteering can really be a positive aspect in someone's life in physical and emotional aspects. I, personally, volunteer once a week at a children's hospital and I absolutely love it!
ReplyDeleteThere are many reasons why I chose to volunteer, but when relating it to the 5 reasons the articles gives, these are the ones that apply to me.
The first is understanding which is the desire to learn new things and acquire knowledge. With my major, I really wanted to learn more about how to take care of children in a hospital setting, not on the medical side, but on the emotional and comfort side of being in a hospital! Which kind of ties in with personal development.
Another reason is for the sense of community. By helping those in need, I hope that one day, the child I help will then go out and help others in need and show compassion to those who need it. lastly though is the humanitarian values.
I believe it is very important for older people to get involved with volunteering for many reasons. It, first of all, keeps them active and around people (most of the time). It also gives them a reason to go out and do something with their day. When visiting nursing homes, those who don't volunteer or help out in someway, sometimes never really ever get to get out of their nursing homes. Also, it makes them still feel apart of the world!
I feel as though some people may have self motivated reasons for volunteering. Even with these reasons, they are still out there making a difference, which for some people can be a huge step in their lives and also they are are their doing something with their lives instead of just sitting idly by, watching those in need suffer.
The article "Why Helping Others Makes Us Happy" discusses the benefits of volunteering. The article points out the fact of how surprising it is to see people helping each other out without expecting a tangible reward. The reward they enjoy the most is that of happiness, increased self-esteem, and stretching yourself to do things that you haven't done before. According to the article these are examples of "self-focused" motives while "other-focused" motives include helping others because of desire to build community or because of religious believes and background. The main reason I volunteer/help people is because of my Humanitarian Values mainly because my characteristic as a Christianis to love my neighbor as myself and serve everyone to the best of my abilities. Other reasons apply to why I do the things I do, such as for understanding and personal development. But my humanitarian values are my driving force for helping others out. I would believe the argument the article makes about the health benefit volunteering offers to the elderly population mainly on the psychology area of it. Many of us need people to talk no matter what age group we fall into ,the article briefly talks about it, without communication with others loneliness and depression tends to surface. This is an issue that I have discussed many at times with elderly people that help at church or that I have volunteered with. The also volunteer because it gets them moving around and helps them gain understanding of different things. I personally think that the article is wrong to say that all volunteers have self-focused motives because there are many people out there that risk their lives for others even though they know what the outcome of their actions would be. I don't know how the article would describe that as an act of self-focused motives.
ReplyDeleteVolunteering has been known as an unselfish act of kindness, but research shows that there are selfish motivators as well. Volunteering has positive benefits for people; such as, happiness, good health, and promotes more years of volunteer work. Starting volunteer work at a young age will help the child out in years to come. Continuing to volunteer as you get older gives people a sense of accomplishment in life. Meaning, when you are older, you feel as if you have made a difference in your lifetime. Volunteer work is powerful and makes the world a better place to live.
ReplyDeleteThis article states the five main reasons people volunteer. I feel that all five of the reasons apply to me. I strongly agree with the ‘sense of community.’ I grew up in a town of around 300 people and I consider everyone in my community my family. I volunteered for numerous organizations throughout junior high and high school and I always felt the bond our residents have. Also, growing up I looked up to the elders (church members) who have guided me to be the person I am today. I now, visit them regularly and volunteer at the nursing home where they are currently living to be there for them like they always were/are for me.
I do know someone who is a late adult who volunteers regularly. I spoke with her on the phone not too long ago and asked her why she volunteers. She said that ‘she loves to put smiles on people’s faces.’ I had done many volunteer activities with her and I definitely agree with that. She loves to make people happy. I know she can make people smile without doing volunteer work, but giving back to her community where she has lived all her life is priceless to her.
I do believe that that majority of volunteers have self-focused motives. I feel that people volunteer to better themselves, which is a selfish motivator, and nothing is wrong with that. I think that people want to feel good about themselves. I also feel that people volunteer to be recognized and thanked for all their hard work that they have done for the community.
The article "Why Helping Others Makes us Happy" had some very interesting facts and points. The article discussed how volunteering is turning into a self motivating thing while others are motivated to volunteer to make a difference. The article describes how it is important to be consistent while volunteering and to pick something that interests you even if you are being forced to do it. The article describes 5 reasons that people tend to volunteer. Three of these reasons are self focused motives and the other two are not.
ReplyDeleteI have done some volunteering in the past but probably not as much as I should be doing. While reading the 5 reasons for volunteering, I was able to apply myself to a few of them. Unfortunately I have realized that I am able to apply myself to the first three reasons which are the self focused reasons. 1. . Understanding: the desire to learn new things and acquire knowledge.2. Esteem enhancement: feeling better about yourself and finding greater stability in life.3. Personal development: acquiring new skills, testing your capabilities, and stretching yourself. I have a major interest in working with kids and helping others so I tend to volunteer for things like that. I never really thought of it being a selfish act although sometimes the goal is to learn more about the field or to help me find a job later in life. Even though I have realized that about myself I still always feel good about what I have done and am grateful to give back.
I wish that the article would have given us a little bit more research on how volunteering can have health benefits. I do agree that when people are happier, they will most likely tend to live longer and I do agree with the fact that physical activity increases your health and if one is up and volunteering often than I would definitely agree with that statement. I do know older women and men in my church who are always volunteering their time with things such as bake sales or yard sales or setting up things in church. I feel like they volunteer to the church because they are thankful for the life they have lived and are here now to serve God. I think that many older people who volunteer are reflecting back on their own life and maybe trying to make a difference in somebody else's life.
Like I said earlier I do agree with the self-focused motives. I know that a lot of the time in my high school you could receive extra credit for volunteering. I would always volunteer but had the goal set in mind of only the extra credit. I now look back and realize how selfish that is and from now on I am going to try to be a little less selfish and a lot more giving.
This article is talking about how volunteering improves happiness and health. One psychologist, Snyder, states that it is surprising that volunteering occurs because it is against the dynamics of self-interest. However, it does strengthen their self-esteem and psychological well-being. Volunteering helps teenagers with a positive impact on grades, self-concept and attitudes towards their education. There are five main reasons to why people volunteer according to Allen Omoto. However, some people don’t volunteer because they feel like some that do are more important and that they couldn’t measure up to them. Snyder says that volunteering starts to decline around 60 and that is when it benefits them the most. Linda Fried states that volunteering helps elderly people stay physically and socially active. Omoto explains that volunteering should be for your own interests and what motivates them.
ReplyDeleteI volunteer quite often and the main reason why I do is for a sense of community. I believe in helping others to better their living along with ours as well. Another reason I volunteer is for esteem enhancement. I love helping people and it helps make me feel better about myself as well. Knowing that I can help make a difference is a great accomplishment.
I agree that volunteering in the late adults and elderly aged people is important and has health benefits for them. It helps them stayed connected with others and maybe get up and moving around more than normal. Also if they find a volunteer group that they are interested in, it could help them do things they still love to do. My grandma is excessively volunteering. I believe she volunteers for esteem enhancement and humanitarian values. Volunteering makes her feel like she is doing something worthwhile in her later years of life. She usually volunteers at the church, so her strong religious component adds in there.
I believe that the statement is true because people are more willing to do something if it is for their own benefit or for the benefit of loved ones. However, not all volunteers have these motives. There are some people that volunteer for the good of people.
Volunteering makes people happy because they are usually around people or doing something they might like to do. The feeling of accomplishment afterwards also adds to this happiness.
This article discusses the many benefits of volunteering and why people decide to volunteer. It shows that there is a correlation between volunteering at a young age and as an adult. Children who volunteer, willingly or forcefully, tend to be more apt to do so later in life. People not only volunteer because it is the right thing to do, but also for self-focused reasons to better themselves. Regardless of the reasoning, people who volunteer receive several benefits. The article lists numerous benefits of volunteering that eventually lead to happiness, increased health and well-being, and longevity.
ReplyDeleteOf the five reasons that Omoto lists as reasons to volunteer, more than one applies to me. I see volunteering as expanding my understanding of things. I like to learn new skills regularly and by volunteering you are most definitely learning. It also makes me feel better about myself by granting me with the ability to help others, which also relates to building a sense of community. Above all, I believe that the most important reason for volunteering is based on humanitarian values. It just makes you feel good to be able to help others and better their lives.
The article also states that volunteering helps better the health of older individuals. I agree with this statement because it gives them something to do and grants them with the satisfaction and happiness that is necessary to lengthen their lives. My grandfather was one to go out of his way to volunteer. He was involved in everything, including Kiwanis, church groups, city council (mayor), all school related activities, etc. Our high school even granted him a lifetime of free admittance to all school related events because he was so involved. I know he not only volunteered to give him something to do after retirement, but also because he had the biggest heart and wanted to help others as much as he could.
As stated in the article, people volunteer for self-focused motives as well. I do not believe that all people volunteer strictly to better themselves; however, I do believe that good things happen to good people. Those who volunteer will be rewarded somehow, it just may not be made directly apparent in all situations.
"Why Helping Others Makes Us Happy" by Phillip Moeller explains the motives and benefits of volunteering.He states that most people think they volunteer for charitable reasons when actually the reasons are more self-centered. Moeller sources Dr.Omoto on the five reasons people volunteer. They are as follows: The desire to learn new things and acquire knowledge, raise self-esteem and find greater stability in life, acquire new skills, gain a sense of community, and humanitarian values.
ReplyDeleteI think more than one reason applies to why I volunteer. I volunteer because I enjoy helping people which in turn boosts my self-esteem. Also, I enjoy broadening my horizons. I think the benefits of volunteering can apply to any age but elderly people may volunteer more because they have more time. Also, they may volunteer more to give the end of their life a feeling of purpose. My grandma volunteers regularly with her church. I think she volunteers because she enjoys helping people and giving back to her community.
I think volunteering can be both altruistic and self-focused. I think it depends on the person and also the situation in which they are volunteering. It may start out originally to be self-focused but then gradually become more altruistic.
The article "Why Helping Others Makes Us Happy," describes how volunteering helps people and what the benefits are when they are helping others. It goes into greater detail explaining the five reasons that people volunteer. The five reasons are understanding, esteem enhancement, personal development, sense of community, and humanitarian values. People of any age will benefit from volunteering. Volunteering benefits many not only the person but also the community.
ReplyDeleteI have volunteered at the humane society for five years. I go there to play with the animals and make sure their needs are meet like if making sure they have food and water, have been taken out to use the bathroom, and have some human interaction. I believe that esteem enhancement and understanding apply to me, because it makes me feel good that the I have helped the animals with the knowledge that I have gained.
I agree with the article that it does benefit a persons health especially in the adult/older generation. I know some that volunteer at the hospital a couple times a week by answering phones and by giving directions to others to get around the hospital. They do it because it helps them stay connected with others, for communication, and the benefit of helping others.
I think some do self-focused motives that volunteering will show others that you care about others and that you are trying to be a good person or need it to show for school. There are those people who do not have those motives and genuinely want to help the community.
My take on this article show's that people who volunteer live a longer life into there adulthood. People who start volunteering at a younger age learn the importance of helping others out. Not every person is fortunate enough to have family and lots of friends around them to help them out. And once you get in to your later adulthood, people keep volunteering to keep the interaction with other people and they are selfish and want to give back.
ReplyDeleteI volunteered in high school, and we would go out to the large elderly population we had and do housework, yard work and just simple task for us to help them out. I done it because I was forced to early on but later one it just came natural. Every time I left a house after volunteering I felt better about myself, I felt like I done a good dead and helped someone who was less fortunate.
In my hometown in CO at the hospital a lot of the volunteer's are well into there 60's and a few I have talked to have said they do it to get out of the house, stay socially active and to get some physical activity. Walking around the hospital to help people find patient's rooms or just setting in the waiting room talking to someone who has a family member in the hospital that isn't doing to well. They are helping in so many different ways and sometime's I don't think they realize how helpful they are to the people coming in and out of the hospital.
This article is about how volunteering can actually make a person happier. As we are transitioning into adulthood we begin to volunteer more and more until about the age of 60. What experts are saying is that we actually could benefit from more volunteering when we get older now less. The human life expectancy is getting longer and longer and we need to find things to make these added years enjoyable. Staying physically and socially active can help this. Volunteering falls into both of those categories. There is now an organization that allows for older people to volunteer to tutor and mentor school-aged children. This is a way to do well for others but also do well for yourself.
ReplyDeleteWhen I volunteer, I believe that I get a little out of all the top five reasons that people usually do it for. It all depends on what you are doing and for whom. All five reasons are very rewarding.
When the article talks about the benefits of volunteering in late adulthood, I have to agree. All of the points that the article made were very valid and help the elderly to still feel purposeful. Most elder people that I know who volunteer are happy to be doing what they are doing because they still have a role in this world and feel needed.
I believe that volunteering can be a self-focused behavior because it leaves you feeling good knowing that you just helped someone. The good things about volunteering are that you get what you need from it but the person you are helping out is also taking something away from it. People who volunteer don’t do it thinking about themselves first. It is an after-the-fact kind of thing. You feel good when you get done doing your volunteering knowing that you were able to help.
This article describes the benefits of volunteering, including health benefits. Volunteering promotes altruism, a concept that counters self-interest. The article lists benefits of volunteering, which include increased grades and self-concept in children as well as reduced drug use. As an adult, those who volunteer exhibit a higher quality of life due to enhanced well-being. The article lists 3 “self-focues” reasons for volunteering which include a desire to learn new things, feel better about oneself, and acquiring new skills and testing your capabilities. There are also 2 “other-focused” reasons, which include creating a sense of community and pertaining to Humanitarian values. Volunteering can help older individuals to maintain social lives and develop a sense of meaning.
ReplyDeleteI have volunteered many hours to observation of physical therapy in order to apply to DPT programs. Because this volunteer work was required, the “self-focused” reasons all apply here, as I wished to learn more about PT and test myself. However, I also volunteer because I truly want to help others (the main reason to become a PT in the first place) so Humanitarian values play a large role in this volunteer work, as I want to improve the lives of others.
I have met several elderly volunteers for Sanford in Sioux Falls, and I truly think it has made their lives fulfilling and gives them an opportunity to stay out of the house while giving their lives meaning. I think the self-focused motives are very common. Just as in my own PT volunteering, I technically was required to do it, and therefore it becomes an action that was self-motivated. I needed PT observation volunteer experience, but it was also done to help others. I do not think all volunteers are self-focused; many perform the work simply for the happiness of helping others.
This article covered three points in which I agree with; volunteering improves health, happiness, and longevity of life. It also makes a good point, there are people who volunteer only for themselves; to make themselves feel better which is true to a point. As stated earlier, volunteering has benefits. It of course will benefit the way you feel about yourself but it can also bring a community together.
ReplyDeleteOf the five reasons that are stated in the article about the benefits of volunteering I think the ones that reflect the most of how I feel after volunteering is the feeling of the sense of community and personal development.
I think that when the article talked about the elderly volunteering I agreed with what they were saying. I cannot think of an elderly person off the top of my head who volunteers a lot. But when I do see an elderly person volunteering I think to myself that they are doing this because they enjoy being around others and helping others or it is a way for them to stay young.
In a way I think that volunteering is self-focused. When I participated in AWOL I originally thought to myself 'this will look good on my resume' but once I started helping that was the last thing on my mind.
This article discusses why volunteering is not only a great way to give back to a community or a group of people, but also the benefits people get back from volunteering. It discusses that not only does volunteering have emotional and psychological benefits, but physical benefits in regard to health as well.
ReplyDeleteBeing an active volunteer throughout high school and college, I can definitely agree that volunteering is extremely rewarding. Although all 5 of the listed reasons why people volunteer could apply to me in some way, I have to say that esteem enhancement is the best thing I get out of volunteering. This article defines and discusses this as "feeling better about yourself and finding a greater stability in life". Although volunteering isn't always at the top of my list of priorities, I know that when I make time to do it I leave the experience feeling completely refreshed and in such a good mood.
This article discusses elderly who volunteer and I definitely understand why this is so common. As people age, they often seek purpose in their lives and are also looking for a meaningful way to spend their retired time. Additionally, volunteering with the elderly is extremely rewarding because of their appreciative nature.
I think that everyone has different reasons for volunteering, but I don't think that any of the reasons listed are bad reasons. Even if someone is volunteering just to feel better about himself, he is doing a good deed for the community and making a difference. Even though this might be a self-focused motive, it's not a selfish act; volunteering is giving time and effort to a project or community to make it better, and if a person can feel good about what they're doing, it's a win-win situation!
This article was about how many benefits you can achieve by just volunteering. People who volunteer when they are younger are more likely to volunteer when they are older. Also 1 out of 3 people volunteer and that is quite a bit. When people volunteer they have the ability to feel better about themselves because people get that reassurance of making a difference in the world. Teenagers that volunteer have a lot of benefits too. They tend to stay in school, there are less teen pregnancies, they are less likely to be involved with drugs and alcohol, and they will probably teach their children the importance of volunteering too. Volunteering is very common in young adults all the way to people in their 60s. Once they reach that 60 years of age mark, the amount starts to decline. Volunteering also helps motivate people and it is a simple goal so happiness is derived from it.
ReplyDeleteThe two reasons that apply to me the most would be 2 and 4. I feel amazing when I volunteer and help people out. I have a middle class life I would have to say and some people aren’t fortunate to have that and the opportunities that I have. Helping someone makes me feel that I am not only benefitting me, but the people that I’m helping too. If I can help make someone else’s life easier or help them towards their life goals, then I am more satisfied with myself more than I would be if I didn’t volunteer.
My grandma actually volunteers a lot. She is recently retired and she has been a widow for almost two years. She was pretty active in the church and visiting the nursing homes before my grandpa died, but now she is doing more than ever. She hated her job so she ended up retiring and with my grandpa not there she feels the need to be busy all of the time. Volunteering keeps her mind off of going home to an empty house at night and she finds comfort in doing things for others. It has helped her come a long way and without volunteering I think that not only her physical health but her mental health would be terrible.
I don’t think that all volunteers have self-focused motives. Some people volunteer for different reasons, but no matter what those are they are still volunteering. If volunteering makes someone else or themselves happy, then they should keep helping out. It is obviously serving some purpose and doing someone good.
The articles main focus is to inform readers on the benefits of volunteering. It stated that volunteering can be good for young people and older people and that children who volunteer or more likely to be adults who volunteer. It also said that volunteering can be an important aspect to an aging person’s longevity in life. Shortened down, it was saying volunteering is good for people. Of the five reasons a person might volunteer, I think I fit most with numbers two and four. Two is to higher ones self-esteem, and four is to have a sense of community (Moeller, pg.1). I agree with the claim that volunteering can help the longevity of older people. I know quite a few older people, mostly women, who volunteer, and they are robust, smart as a whip, and more youthful then some of the other older people I know who do not volunteer. It is not the sole reason, but I do think that it helps for sure. Part of me thinks they volunteer because they have nothing better to do, so why not. I do think that volunteering is, or at least can be, self-serving, but at least it is a good thing. I agree, maybe some people don’t do it for exactly the right reason, or maybe they just do it because it makes them feel good (which I believe is considered self-serving) but at least it’s something important, and other people get help out of it.
ReplyDeleteThis article describes the benefits people receive from volunteering. Volunteering is suppose to be a selfless act. However, studies have shown that most volunteerism is done for the exact opposite reason, for actually very selfish reasons. People like to feel good about themselves, and by helping others they feel good about the good deeds they are doing. Volunteering also gives benefits healthwise by promoting longer, happier lives. Those who have a better outlook on life, a purpose, tend to live longer.
ReplyDeleteOverall, volunteering, while not completely selfless of an act, does improve the lives of many indviduals/communities and the one doing the volunteering.
I volunteer rather routinely. I volunteered at the SF Humane Society for two years in high school. I've done SERVE, AWOL, some Psi Chi events, and other random things since coming to USD. I think its great and will probably always do some form of volunteering throughout my life. I like helping out the community and trying to make this corner of the world, wherever I'm living, not as crappy. Also, if I'm having a really unfortunate day, going out and vounteering does take me away from all of it and makes me feel a lot better. Volunteering's awesome, so go do it, if you want.
I don't know if I buy the fact that volunteering will make people live longer. Have happier lives, yes, but live longer, not necessarily. It could just be that those people who are more likely to volunteer have healthier lifestyles, are more active, have a better outlook on life, etc. The article did say that having a better outlook on life and volunteerism giving people a purpose was why they thought that it made people live longer, but I feel like linking that soley to volunteering is failing to take into other factors. It's too far of a leap, for me, but that's just my opinion.
This article shows an interesting study of the act of volunteering. It shows the different reasons that people volunteer, both for the benefit of society, and also for personal gains. Volunteering helps people in need as well as helps peoples overall health and social skills as they go throughout life.
ReplyDeleteI volunteered quite a bit while i was in high school, and unfortunately i have to say most of it was for personal gains. Because it looked good on my transcript i regularly volunteered. However, as i moved into college i started to realize how much better about myself it made me feel. I was a part of Dance Marathon last year and helped raise money for the Childrens Miracle Network. I love to volunteer now, and believe it is one of the greatest things i have ever accomplished.
There are some things in this article that i do agree with, but there are also things i don't. I do agree with the statement that volunteering gives you a better outlook on life and that it is also a good way for someone to do something for the people and community around them. I dont however believe that it makes you live longer, or that is done for personal gains more than other reasons. Overall I believe that volunteering is done both for personal gains and because it is good for everyone. But i feel as though it is not more focused on personal gains but rather on the well being of the community
What I got out of reading this article was mainly that nothing bad can come out of volunteering. The benefits of volunteering seemed to be very positive and get better with age. It seemed as though the benefits were greater with the greater age, although they were good at all ages. Out of the five reasons that were listed about why people volunteer, the one reason that stands out the most to me is humanitarian values. I have always believed that volunteering is self-less and there is not really a way for it to be anything but, because you are helping someone other than yourself. Anytime I have personally volunteered, it was to see the result from the work I did personally or with a group. It was always a good feeling.
ReplyDeleteOn the topic of the elderly volunteering, I think it is a good thing for those who can do it, but there are always those people who are not physically able or willing. I’m sure the effect of volunteering for the elderly is the same as it would be for anyone else, giving them those happy feelings and feelings of accomplishment. Like I said prior, I believe that volunteering is a self-less act, and there is not really any way for it selfish. I do not think that any volunteers have self-focused motives. I firmly believe that deep down if someone volunteering it is because they really want to help the cause they are working towards.
This past summer, I volunteered every Friday at the Avera McKennan Behavioral Health Center. I applied to volunteer because I wanted grow a better understanding in the Behavioral Health careers. I wanted personal development in growing new skills and learning all about what my future could possibly hold within the Behavioral Health field. I also really wanted to put myself out in the community, putting on my happiest face when the patients walked in the door, either willingly or unwillingly, they often smiled back. There smiles, although often stressed, were enough to get me through the long hours of that shift.
ReplyDeleteI do strongly believe that people who volunteer throughout their lives do tend to live longer and happier lives. I know a few elderly women who have volunteered all their lives and they keep volunteering now. It gives them something to live for they say. As depressing as that sounds, it's heartwarming.
I do think volunteering is sometimes self-focused. Do I think that is a bad thing? No, not at all. I wanted to learn more about my choice of field so therefore I volunteered in order to do so. I feel that whatever the reason be for someone giving up their time willingly, is good enough to accept.
This article is describing the benefits of volunteering. This piece states that volunteering not only benefits the less fortunate, but it states that it benefits the volunteer as well. Whether the volunteer only helps on a monthly basis or a daily basis it will make that person feel better about himself/herself. The author goes on to describe two different types of volunteers; self-focused, and other-focused. Using the example provided (doing homework), all 5 of the reasons provided in the article are being used. I am not sure if I believe that volunteering necessarily has positive health benefits. However, I do believe that when older people volunteer, they can look back on their life and believe that they made a difference in the world. I do not believe that all volunteers do it because it makes them feel good. For instance, some people are forced into it for things such as judge ordered community service, or for a class. However, I do believe that many do it out of the kindness of their heart.
ReplyDelete“Why Helping Others Makes us Happy” was an article that discussed why volunteering is so beneficial to our well beings. Volunteering is said to help with self-esteem and longevity. There are five reasons that people volunteer. Three of the reasons are “self-focused” and the other “two-focused.” I really enjoy volunteer work. As cheesy as it sounds, I love the feeling of helping people. I was in two different volunteer based clubs in high school, so I spent a lot of time helping others. I think it really helped my opinion on volunteering. Volunteering once one becomes older is a great way to keep active and keep y happiness levels up. I believe there are many reasons we can volunteer but it is important to be a selfless volunteer. Volunteering should be about the fulfillment of others needs.
ReplyDeleteThe article “Why Helping Others Makes Us Happy” is about the benefits of volunteering, no matter what your motives are. Volunteering can benefit everyone ranging from youth staying away from drugs and alcohol to seniors being more active and social. Moeller discusses why people volunteer and it is shocking to see three of the five reasons he listed were self-focused. While volunteering is seen as primarily helpful for others, there are a lot of selfish reasons to volunteer.
ReplyDeleteI volunteered throughout high school due to the activities I was involved in. My FCCLA chapter did a lot of volunteer work around my hometown and I believe my reason would best be described as to gain a sense of community. Also, my cheer and dance squads did a lot of volunteering also, but a lot of this was mandated and I would say this was a lot more esteem enhancing rather than doing it for others.
I completely agree that volunteering has positive mental and physical health benefits. My hometown has our own “grandpa” of the town who is always at our sporting events and at every community gathering we have. Mr. Dacy was a huge part of our community up until his tragic death. Mr. Dacy lived to an old age and was very active within our community always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.
While three of the reasons people volunteer are self-focused, I believe the majority of volunteers fall under the “others-focused” category. While I do believe many people volunteer for the wrong reasons, I strongly believe that the most frequent volunteers do it for others rather than themselves.
The article “Why Helping Others Makes Us Happy” is about the benefits of volunteering, no matter what your motives are. Volunteering can benefit everyone ranging from youth staying away from drugs and alcohol to seniors being more active and social. Moeller discusses why people volunteer and it is shocking to see three of the five reasons he listed were self-focused. While volunteering is seen as primarily helpful for others, there are a lot of selfish reasons to volunteer.
ReplyDeleteI volunteered throughout high school due to the activities I was involved in. My FCCLA chapter did a lot of volunteer work around my hometown and I believe my reason would best be described as to gain a sense of community. Also, my cheer and dance squads did a lot of volunteering also, but a lot of this was mandated and I would say this was a lot more esteem enhancing rather than doing it for others.
I completely agree that volunteering has positive mental and physical health benefits. My hometown has our own “grandpa” of the town who is always at our sporting events and at every community gathering we have. Mr. Dacy was a huge part of our community up until his tragic death. Mr. Dacy lived to an old age and was very active within our community always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.
While three of the reasons people volunteer are self-focused, I believe the majority of volunteers fall under the “others-focused” category. While I do believe many people volunteer for the wrong reasons, I strongly believe that the most frequent volunteers do it for others rather than themselves.
Helping people by volunteering has been around for a long time. They motive behind have seemed to change for altruistic to more selfish motives but for whatever your motive is shown to be a great thing for children and adults. The study says, “People who volunteer tend to have higher self-esteem, psychological well-being, and happiness.” It then goes into how volunteering is great for at-risk children, they can see what being an adult is about and enhancing wellbeing. There are many reasons why people do volunteer work. For me I think it is a little bit of all of the 5 reasons. I feel better about myself when I help but I also like acquiring knowledge stretching myself and making the world a little better. And I wouldn’t say it is all because of my religion and the activities I am associated with but it does give me more opportunity to help. I think volunteering has great effects of working with adult/ the elderly is that you learn from people that have been around longer then you. They might not know more information on a certain subject but there outlook at life can change the people they work with. I also think this new way of looking at volunteering as self-focused is a very good argument. In my ethics class we talked about a theory were we are always looking for ways to benefit our self. This could be wanting someone to help you out when you need help, or just showing people that you can help because you are better off. But in saying that I don’t think all volunteers are self-focused, lots of them know they are blessed and want to give back.
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