Volunteer Benefits Conventional wisdom holds that volunteer work is a win/win opportunity. Both the volunteer and the community win. For example, in Sacramento approximately $3 million in RSVP volunteer service is provided at a mere cost of $150,000 (a 20:1 benefit ratio). Volunteer service benefits everyone. Annually, in Sacramento over 150,000 hours of RSVP volunteer time provides needed services that would not otherwise be performed. Whether working with the hungry or elderly, helping law enforcement, or mentoring a young person, the community benefits. At the same time, the volunteer builds higher self esteem, gains the satisfaction of making a meaningful contribution, and enhances their mental and physical health.  A 1999 study found that people volunteering 40 hours a year were 40% more likely than non-volunteers to live longer. A two-year control study ending in 2004 showed that 44% of those who volunteered felt healthier, as compared to non-volunteers, of whom 36% felt less healthy.  News Articles on Volunteer Benefits Report from The Corporation for National and Community Service discusses The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research  (Washington, April 2007) Prevention Magazine found that volunteering boosts brain power and strengthens the body.  Helping Hands  (December 2006) The Corporation for National and Community Service, a report titled Volunteering in America: State Trends and Rankings was released defining the economic benefits of voluntarism to the entire nation . (Washington, June 12, 2006) HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH–METLIFE FOUNDATION INITIATIVE ON RETIREMENT AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT joined with Parade Magazine for a contest to Name the Extra Stage of Life Between Middle Age and Old Age (Boston, December 8, 2005) Natomas Journal Article on the benefits of volunteering and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (Sacramento, March 2006) Harvard School of Public Health and MetLife Foundation have launched a national media campaign to promote healthy aging, reshape cultural attitudes toward the older years, and encourage Boomers to volunteer their time, skills, and experience to help strengthen local communities.  New Campaign Urges Baby Boomers to 'Give Back' (Boston, December 21, 2005) Baby boomers who will start to retire this dec ade can add healthy years to their lives by spending more time volunteering for civic and charitable work, according to a national health group.  Volunteer for a longer, happier life (Sacramento Bee July 7, 2004)  The longevity revolution raises important questions concerning not only national economics, but national values as well.  Civic Ventures answers by helping America achieve a national return on experience.  The Volunteer Factor (Aging Today, Vol. XXV, No. 4 July-August 2004)