Caring is not only an act of kindness and compassion but it also increases self-esteem and self-worth for the care giver.
Helping and caring for others is not only a commendable thing to do, but it may also prove very beneficial to the care givers leading to reduced stress, increased happiness and increased sense of social connectedness.
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
As it is rightly said "To make a difference in someone life, you do not have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful or perfect, you just have to care
A recent study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behaviour found that people who occasionally watched and cared for others lived longer than people who didn't.
Be it for someone within the family, or even outside the family, providing care had a longevity benefit and can improve a person's outcome. The researchers believe the positive emotions experienced from helping others may combat the negative effects of emotions like stress.
The study notes that full-time caregiving may cause more stress and lack of resources for elderly people, and that striking a balance may be important. But the bottom line remains: helping others is likely worthwhile for health and longer living.