Altuism, happiness, and health: it's good to be good
by
Post SG. Department of Bioethics, School of Medicine,
Case Western Reserve University,
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4976, USA.
sgp2@cwru.edu
Int J Behav Med. 2005;12(2):66-77.


ABSTRACT

Altruistic (other-regarding) emotions and behaviors are associated with greater well-being, health, and longevity. This article presents a summary and assessment of existing research data on altruism and its relation to mental and physical health. It suggests several complimentary interpretive frameworks, including evolutionary biology, physiological models, and positive psychology. Potential public health implications of this research are discussed, as well as directions for future studies. The article concludes, with some caveats, that a strong correlation exists between the well-being, happiness, health, and longevity of people who are emotionally and behaviorally compassionate, so long as they are not overwhelmed by helping tasks.

SENS
SENSE
Caloric restriction
Intermittent fasting
Antiaging medicine?
Antiaging treatments
Mitochondrial enzymes
Antagonistic pleiotropy
Caloric restriction mimetics
Cryonics/negligible senescence
Lifespan-extending interventions
CR/age-related oxidative damage
Does resveratrol enhance longevity?
Resveratrol and vertebrate lifespan (PDF)


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