Be kind, live longer? The surprising health benefits of giving back
Both helping others and maintaining a sense of optimism and gratitude in our personal lives can yield numerous mental and physical health benefits, from improving our mood to reducing blood pressure. Recent research has shown that people who frequently volunteer tend to live longer lives and that practicing gratitude can reduce smoking cravings. Our panelists will discuss ways to encourage prosocial behaviors, such as altruism, cooperation, compassion, and empathy, and, in turn, improve the health of both individuals and their communities.
Register for free to submit your questions.
This event will livestream on the Harvard T.H. Chan School YouTube page. An on-demand video will be posted after the event.
The in-person audience is invited to stay after the panel discussion to practice gratitude by making holiday cards and making cozy, fleece blankets for children in foster care. Grab some hot cocoa and cookies too!
SPEAKERS
Laura Kubzansky, Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Director of the Society and Health Laboratory, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Ashley Whillans, Volpert Family Associate Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School
MODERATOR
Patrick Skerrett, Founder and former editor of First Opinion, STAT