26 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com “There is definitely a connection between service and better physical and mental health. I know it is happening, but it is hard to articulate what ‘it’ is,” said Mark Rentfrow, a physical therapist for the past seven years at Alice’s Clubhouse Memory Care Day Center in Mount Pleasant. Results of a study published in BMC Public Health, a peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles on the epidemiology of disease and the understanding of all aspects of public health, demonstrates that “other-oriented” volunteering has significantly stronger effects on mental and physical health, life satisfaction and social well-being when compared to self-oriented volunteering. Other-oriented volunteering has altruistic features and demonstrates concern and care for other’s needs, such as health care or education work, the study reveals. In self-oriented volunteering, the volunteer’s motivation is defined by the desire to develop social networks, acquire skills or evade personal problems. SERVICE SERVES THE BODY People often decide to volunteer to make a difference and improve lives other than their own – and an ever-growing body of research suggests that volunteering offers health benefits that reach beyond the conventionally recognized social and emotional advantages. By Molly Sherman
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