We’ve always heard that being nice to others is the right thing to do (in fact, as women we’re probably told way too much), but did you know it can actually have an impact on your lifespan? According to a study published in the Evolution and Human Behavior journal, those who take care of others live longer than those who don’t.Â
According to TIME, the study followed over 500 people ranging from ages 70 to 103 for two decades to evaluate their survival data. Researchers found that those who provided some sort of care to others, regardless of their relationship, lived a longer life than those who didn’t provide any care.
The study’s results showed that non-custodial grandparents who occasionally watched their grandchildren had a 37 percent lower mortality rate than grandparents who never took care of their younger generations. That’s a pretty big difference! Beyond families providing care for their own bloodlines, the study also showed a benefit for older people without children who cared for others in their social groups. About half of this group lived seven years past the start of the study, while those who did not provide any type of care only lived an additional four years. Â
The study indicates a positive relationship exists between caregiving and a long lifespan, which researchers believe can be attributed to the balance of the positive emotions associated with helping others and the negative effects of emotions like stress.Â
This study obviously followed much-older-than-college-aged people, so it might seem like the results aren’t really applicable—and college really is the time to be selfish and focus on putting your future first. But we’re never too young to need help, and you never know what’s going on with that girl you’re friendly with down the hall or that guy who seems to be struggling in stats class. You might just find out they could use a helping hand. Next time you see an opportunity, try stepping in and providing care to those who might need it. The possibility of living a longer life is just an additional benefit to seeing how your help can positively impact another person’s life.Â