Researchers from the University of Michigan studied 846 adults over age 65 for 5 years. The study participants were interviewed about stressful life events and their involvement with helping others. The mortality of the studied group was monitored for five years. The study was designed to assess whether helping others had any effect on coping with life's stresses.
It turns out that the answer is yes! The study suggests that caring for others helps us handle the stressors in our own lives better. It may even help us live longer.
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