Some of the regular readers of this column know that I transplanted from the Phoenix Valley to the wonderful high country of Northern Arizona a couple of years ago. I was mostly a ‘westsider’ while in the Valley and, therefore, quite familiar with Sun City—one of the first designated retirement communities in the United States. Besides catering to the older adult, a sign welcoming you to Sun City also boasts that it is a “City of Volunteers.” There seems to be a lot of truth in the saying ‘With Age Comes Wisdom’ because the populace of Sun City clearly knows the value of giving-back to your community. Apparently, Albert Einstein agreed and is quoted as saying, “I believe in one thing—that only a life lived for others is a life worth living.” That’s a pretty significant declaration coming from a Nobel Prize-winning guy that established the law of Photoelectric Effect and the theories of relativity.
While Sun City may have the official title, I would say that it has staunch competition from Sedona when it comes to generous residents who like to give back to their community. I am so thankful for the volunteers and supporters that give of their time and resources to keep the crucial Meals on Wheels program and other services of the Community Center in successful operation. Many of these great folks volunteer for several area non-profits. If this describes you, or if you have thought about volunteering, you may be interested in knowing that helping others also has it’s rewards for the giver.
- Multiple studies show altruistic actions increase happiness. Sometimes called the “helper’s high,” scientists believe that oxytocin is released when we give our time or money to a good cause. A hormone that induces feelings of good-will and euphoria, one dose of oxytocin reportedly creates a sense of generosity and empathy that can last as long as two hours. Paul Zak, founding director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University studied the effects of oxytocin and found the release of this hormone relieves stress, fosters trust, improves immune function, and results in increased well-being and overall happiness. Interestingly, the “helper’s high” can be self-perpetuating—the presence of oxytocin will cause people to give more generously and feel more empathic, which then can trigger more oxytocin to be released. According to Zak, even tweeting or other internet ‘giving’ exchanges can reduce stress hormones and cause a spike in oxytocin. Zak is so dedicated to the mission of feeling good, giving back to others, and hugging, that he’s gained the moniker of Dr. Love among those who know him best. You can learn more about his research at cgu.edu/people/paul-zak or www.pauljzak.com.
- Giving may improve our health and longevity. Several studies, including one by D.Oman found that older adults who volunteer for multiple organizations were 63% less likely to die than those that did not. Additional research by S. Brown found that older couples who helped neighbors, friends, spouses, or others had a lower risk of dying over a five year period than individuals who did not help others. (Both studies can be found at ncbi.nlm.nih.gove/pubmed.)
Isn’t it wonderful to know that by helping others we are helping ourselves, too? There are many opportunities for volunteering and charitable giving to qualified non-profits in Sedona and the greater Verde Valley. This abundance of volunteer-fueled entities is a testimony to the generous spirit of our community members. A listing of many of our local service organizations can be found at www.sedonawishlist.org and most of us have our own website where you can find more information about the good work being done across our neighborhoods. For information about your Sedona Community Center visit www.sccsedona.org or drop by the Center at 928.282.2834.
