A large systematic research review recently published in the journal BMC Public Health from British scientists has found a connection between volunteering and both longevity and mental well-being.

For the review, scientists culled data from several trials and longitudinal studies, and found evidence of an approximately 20 percent reduction in mortality among volunteers compared to non-volunteers. Volunteers also reported less depression and greater life satisfaction. The researchers noted that these findings have yet to be studied in clinical trials.