Volunteering described as a way to fight loneliness and improve heart health

Unknown presenter, an event presenter, told attendees that volunteering can reduce loneliness and have measurable health benefits. The presenter cited the work of former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and said Murthy has described an "epidemic of loneliness" in the country.

The presenter described how volunteering connects people through meaningful activities, not just casual conversation, and compared its effects to exercise. "Volunteering, much like exercise, actually can release endorphins," the presenter said, adding that these chemicals are associated with the so-called runners high. The presenter said higher endorphin levels can help lower blood pressure, which in turn can reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Addressing barriers to getting started, the presenter acknowledged that beginning to volunteer may "feel hard to start," and advised people to imagine future benefits so they feel they "got back more than [they] gave." The discussion was educational in nature; attendees were given no formal tasks or directives and no votes or policy actions were recorded.