Mr. S was the first generation in his family to be born in the United States. His parents came to this country with only the clothes on their back. Both parents worked and Mr. S and his siblings spent their days at the local community center when not in school.
Upon graduation from college, Mr. S set upon a career in a manufacturing company where he rose to be its chief executive. With fond memories of the community center, that nurtured him through his childhood, Mr. S was always an annual contributor to the center’s operating fund. Upon retirement, the company owned a life insurance policy on the life of Mr. S that the company no longer needed. The company offered to transfer ownership of the policy to Mr. S, but he did not wish to continue paying the premiums. The community center had grown from a local neighborhood gathering place for children and young adults to a full-service operation that included daycare for the very young and classes and physical therapy for the elderly. The neighborhood had changed greatly and now the myriad of nationalities, races and ethnicities that regularly utilized the facilities had grown significantly.
Mr. S wished to support the expansion of the services offered by the community center and utilized his no longer needed life insurance policy to make a significant donation to help the community center in its effort to fully serve its diverse community.
Mr. S’s donation of this unwanted life insurance policy was achieved through a donation to Insuring A Better World Fund who paid all future premiums and other expenses necessary to maintain the policy at no cost to Mr. S or the community center.
“It’s better to give than to receive” is not just an old adage, it can be a prescription for a healthier life.
In a world where personal health and wellness are top priorities, one often overlooked avenue to better health is through charitable giving. While the act of donating primarily benefits those in need, numerous studies have shown that it can also have significant positive impacts on the donor’s physical and mental well-being. Beyond the warm feeling of altruism, let’s explore some of the tangible health benefits associated with donating to charity.
Reducing Stress and Promoting Emotional Well-being
“When we do things for other people, it makes us feel much more engaged and joyful. That’s good for our health and happiness”. Susan Albers, PsyD published in Cleveland Clinic’s Health Essentials website, December 7, 2022.
Donating to charity has been linked to reduced stress levels and an overall sense of well-being. Acts of generosity trigger the release of endorphins, often referred to as the “feel-good” hormones, which can promote a sense of happiness and contentment. This biochemical reaction not only improves mood but also helps in lowering stress and anxiety levels. Moreover, the emotional satisfaction derived from helping others can foster a positive outlook on life and improve mental resilience.
“As you help someone or give a gift, your body secretes ‘feel good’ chemicals such as
- Serotonin (which regulates your mood)
- Dopamine (which gives you a sense of pleasure)
- Oxytocin (which creates a sense of connection with others)
Giving can stimulate your brain’s mesolimbic pathway, or reward center, while releasing endorphins. That can lead to a ‘helper’s high’ that boosts self-esteem, elevates happiness and combats feelings of depression”. id.
Boosting Longevity and Physical Health
Believe it or not, giving to charity may actually contribute to a longer, healthier life. Researchers found that individuals who engage in regular charitable activities tend to have lower blood pressure, reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, and even a strengthened immune system. These health benefits are thought to stem from the positive emotions associated with altruistic behavior, which can lead to a healthier physiological state over time.
“Generosity truly is good for your heart. Researchers found that giving to others can lower your blood pressure and protect your ticker.” id.
Enhancing Social Connections
One of the lesser-known benefits of charitable giving is its role in building social connections and strengthening community bonds. Whether through volunteering or financial contributions, involvement in charitable activities often brings people together with shared values and goals. This sense of belonging and social integration has profound effects on mental health, including reduced feelings of loneliness and depression. Strong social connections are also associated with better overall health outcomes and increased longevity.
Cultivating a Sense of Purpose and Meaning
Giving to charity provides a sense of purpose and meaning in life, which are crucial elements of psychological well-being. Knowing that one’s actions positively impact the lives of others fosters a deeper sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. This sense of purpose is particularly beneficial during challenging times, providing a source of motivation and resilience.
Tax Benefits, Financial Planning and Peace of Mind
While not directly related to physical health, the financial incentives of charitable giving, such as tax deductions, indirectly contribute to overall well-being. By strategically planning donations, individuals optimize their financial resources while supporting causes they care about. This leads to a greater sense of financial security and peace of mind.
Donations of Life Insurance Have an Enormous Impact on both the Giver and Receiver
Seniors (age 65 or older) may own an asset that would make a huge impact on the charity of their choice. If you are a senior and own a life insurance policy that you no longer need or can afford, or if you simply wish to make an enormous impact on a charitable cause that is near and dear to your heart, consider donating it to your favorite charity. Insuring A Better World Fund’s mission is to increase donations of life insurance to charity. Life insurance is a 21+ trillion-dollar asset class that is often overlooked by charitable gift planners and potential donors. Insuring A Better World Fund accepts donations of life insurance and then pays all of the premium and other costs needed to maintain the life insurance policy in-force. Insuring A Better World Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donors may be entitled to a significant charitable tax deduction based upon the value of the policy at the time of donation. When donating a policy to Insuring A Better World Fund, the policy owner/donor selects the charity that will benefit from the donation. There is no cost to the donor or the charity. Donors Give…Charities Receive….Insuring A Better World Fund pays to keep the policy in force.
In conclusion, donating to charity is not only a compassionate gesture but also a wise investment in one’s own health and happiness. The ripple effects of generosity extend far beyond the immediate act of giving, benefiting both individuals and communities alike. Whether through volunteering time, donating money, or contributing skills, the health benefits of charitable giving underscore its value as a powerful tool for personal well-being. By nurturing a spirit of generosity, we not only enrich the lives of others but also cultivate a healthier and more fulfilling life for ourselves. Together we can ensure a better world for us all.