A new study says volunteering is good for us. A research paper in the journal BMC Public Health says helping others improves our mental health and lengthens our life. Researchers reviewed the effects of volunteerism on our health. They said volunteers were less depressed, felt good about themselves, and had a smaller chance of dying early. Australians volunteer most, with an estimated 36 per cent of the population lending a hand.

Dr Suzanne Richards said her review showed that volunteering improves mental health. More research will find out if volunteering really does this. She said she wasn't sure what biological, cultural and social factors make people want to volunteer. A different study gave three reasons why volunteering helps us. First, it means we get physical activity; second, the social connections help to reduce our stress; and third, it makes us happier.