14 DAY TRIAL // Scientists at the University of Exeter Medical School now say that people who do volunteer work often live longer than those who choose not to.
What's more, these people are less likely to suffer from depression and other similar mental health issues.
Dr. Suzanne Richards and her colleagues further explain that, when compared to non-volunteers, people who engage in various activities intended to help others are more satisfied with their lives.
It is likely that this promotes mental health.
On the other hand, the physical benefits people seem to get from volunteering activities might be due to the fact that volunteers usually spend more time out of the house and get more exercise.
The researchers say that, for the time being, they cannot say for sure how and why volunteering influences both mental health and physical wellbeing.
They hope future investigations will help shed more light on the issue.