By Judie Donaldson

Have you ever heard of the “science of generosity?” Hold onto to this question for a couple of minutes while I talk about my experience with generosity at Carquinez Village.
It was close to three years ago that Lois Requist and I introduced to our area the concept of what eventually became Carquinez Village, a volunteer organization designed to provide a new kind of support to seniors. Over these three years, I have been immersed in Village planning, launching, and oversight. I also became a member and a volunteer. You would think, therefore, that I would understand the basic mission of the organization. I would hope so.
So, what I will say next is rather absurd, even to me. And this is that I can’t believe that I put in a request for a service at Carquinez Village––and that someone responded within 10 minutes, and is coming over to help me with some household repairs!
So, what’s the big deal? The big deal is that I never fully grasped the impact of what we are doing at Village––until I set about receiving a service myself. Experiencing it is powerful, to help me and others is awesome, and that I can call on them a volunteer again provides a sense of security. What acts of generosity! I guess that I need a blockbuster of a knock in the head at times, or a personal experience, to grasp a concept and its meaning.
This awareness came at a moment when I happened upon an NPR program on the “Science of Generosity.” Why study something so obvious, I thought, but I opened my mind and learned about the research at the University of Notre Dame, the University of Texas, and other institutions that is being promulgated at venues such as Ted Talks. These academics, I discovered, are learning some interesting stuff. They’re even calling it “Vitamin G!”
It’s particularly relevant at this time of year when many of us receive endless requests for contributions, may be conflicted about how generous to be with our gift giving, or wish we had more money and gifts to give. I became intrigued with this topic and thought that I would share five things I learned.
First, research shows that generosity is good for an individual’s mind and body. The greater we emotionally respond to another person’s situation, the more we increase our level of oxytocin. In turn, oxytocin is a factor that increases social connections, which have been identified as a means to increase our happiness. Therefore, volunteering impacts our well-being.
Second, in relation to volunteering, one study found older adults who volunteered at least four hours a week in the 12 months prior to their baseline-blood-pressure measurement were less likely to develop high blood pressure for the next four years. Generosity, then, can contribute to our health. (Those smart Carquinez Village volunteers must have figured this out.)
Third, in regard to seniors giving money, a study showed that participants who were previously diagnosed with high blood pressure and spent money on others experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure throughout the study. Those who spent money on themselves did not. However, there’s a caveat. Financial generosity is only beneficial when it does not incur a personal cost. In other words, it’s better to give than to receive if it’s within your means.
Fourth, paying it forward is a unique type of generosity that has multiple outcomes. Here’s an example. You go through a toll station or a restaurant line, and you quietly pay both your fee and the cost of the person behind you. What an unexpected gift! The hope is that the recipient will do the same and that your act will trigger a chain of generosity. As it does, it produces joy, satisfaction, and trust for all involved. I’m committing to giving this a try.
Fifth, you don’t need to have anything to be generous––only an attitude of caring and an awareness of another. You can change someone’s day with a greeting or a smile, or an offering of help, and you’ll benefit as well. Martin Luther King had it right when he said, “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.”
How about trying something new in the new year? Join the Carquinez Village volunteer community. It’s a great group. Call 707-297-2472 for an application or to learn more.
If this isn’t a fit, do what feels right for you. We each have our own generosity profile and preferences. There is no right or wrong. Be assured that, when you are generous, you’re giving to yourself as well. Of most importance, get the right amount of “Vitamin G” for you!

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