The Joys and Science of Service 

By Emelia Harris, ISR Community Engagement Manager 

At Island Senior Resources (ISR), we see every day how volunteers transform lives—and not just the lives of the people we serve. The impact of service flows both ways. 

It turns out that volunteering really does make us feel good, and science can explain why. Brain imaging studies have shown that when people help others, the regions linked to reward and connection light up. Altruism triggers the release of dopamine and oxytocin—the same “feel-good” chemicals that surge when we eat something delicious or listen to music we love (Moll et al., 2006, PNAS). That’s why volunteers often describe a “helper’s high”—a genuine sense of warmth and satisfaction after giving their time. 

Volunteering also helps us handle stress and contributes to a longer life. Research shows that volunteers often have lower levels of cortisol, our stress hormone, and stronger immune and heart health (Brown & Brown, 2015, Health Psychology). For older adults in particular, volunteering has been linked to lower rates of depression and longer lifespans (Musick & Wilson, 2003, Social Science & Medicine). A long-term study also found that people who volunteered regularly lived longer, especially when their service came from a place of compassion (Poulin et al., 2013, American Journal of Public Health). 

Just like muscle, our empathy and sense of connection are strengthened when we volunteer. Neuroscientists have found that practicing compassion strengthens the parts of the brain tied to understanding others (Decety & Cowell, 2014, Trends in Cognitive Sciences). Experience already tells us that helping others changes the way we see the world—it sharpens our ability to listen, communicate, and care. In other words: helping others helps us, too.  

By giving of our time and skills, we also create stronger communities. Sociologists talk about “social capital”—the trust and connections that make communities strong. Every time a volunteer shows up for their shift at Senior Thrift, drives a neighbor to an appointment, or checks in on an older adult, they’re weaving threads of connection that hold the whole community together (Putnam, 2000, Bowling Alone). Isn’t it wonderful to know that communities with high volunteer engagement have been found to bounce back faster from challenges and tend to thrive in the long run (Wilson, 2012, Annual Review of Sociology)? 

So the next time you sign up to volunteer, remember: you’re not just helping someone else. You’re also strengthening your own well-being and helping to stitch together a healthier, more compassionate community.  

From all of us at ISR: Thank you for your time and service!