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Volunteering can make you happier and help you live longer, according to a new study. A research paper published Friday the journal BMC Public Health says doing good deeds others boosts your mental health and increases your longevity. Researchers the UK's University of Exeter reviewed 40 academic papers the effects volunteerism our health. They found that volunteers had lower rates depression, an increased sense well-being, and a 22 per cent reduction the chances of dying the next seven years. Australians lead the way volunteering, with an estimated 36 per cent the population lending a hand.

Lead researcher Dr Suzanne Richards said: "Our systematic review shows that volunteering is associated improvements mental health, but more work is needed to establish whether volunteering is actually the cause." She added: "It is still unclear whether biological and cultural factors and social resources that are often associated better health and survival are also associated with a willingness to volunteer the first place." a separate study the University Michigan, researchers suggested three reasons why volunteering may be beneficial. First, it involves physical activity; second, the social connections we make help to reduce our stress; and third, it gives us a deep sense happiness.