"Giving is as good for the giver as it is for the receiver. Science says it's so. We'll be happier, healthier, and even -- odds are -- live a little longer if we're generous. To get involved with someone else's problems makes your problems look a lot less," Post said.

Post also points out in his book that there are at least five studies showing that seniors who gave tended to live longer. A research project at Duke University Medical Center provided evidence that individuals with a history of heart attacks who were asked to visit patients hospitalized with cardiac problems and listen and be a supportive and reassuring presence to these patients had better health themselves after their heart attacks.

The following are some possible benefits of giving to others:
· Strengthening the immune-system.
· A decrease in both the intensity and the awareness of physical pain.
· Activation of the emotions that are vital to the maintaining good health.
· Reduction of the incidence of attitudes, such as chronic hostility, that negatively arouse and damage the body.
· The multiple benefits to the body's systems provided by stress relief.
· Experiencing a "helper's high," a rush of euphoria, followed by a longer period of calm, after performing a kind act.

Thank you for bringing this pleasantly surprising revelation to the attention of others. It seems that in our society, we are in the habit of reacting to our physical and emotional pain by either taking a pill or doing nothing when in fact reaching out to others may be just what the doctor would order!