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. The panelists discussed ways to encourage prosocial behaviors, such as altruism, cooperation, compassion, and empathy, and, in turn, improve the health of both individuals and their communities.
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
