“You have got to be out of your mind” was a sentence Isabella was getting used to hearing. Friend after friend rolled her eyes as she told them of her plans. Isabella was 80 years old, for God’s sake! No amount of eye rolling was going to dissuade her. Even if her friends were moving into assisted living facilities, she was going to build a new home in Montecito and give it to her favorite charity. No strings attached. Except that her gift remain anonymous.

Although her friends told her that the construction and move would be the death of her, Isabella out-lived all who poo-pooed her philanthropic adventure. She lived a happy and healthy life in her Montecito home for 10 years. Her vision and spirit live on. So does her wish that any of the information regarding her gift go unnamed.

Philanthropy is good for you. Scientists have discovered that there are physical and emotional benefits to giving to others. In More Give to Live, Douglas Lawson cites research that showed how helping others actually led to improved health and emotional well-being. Numerous studies reported that those involved in ongoing volunteer programs had an enhanced immune system, improved cardiovascular circulation and better sleep patterns. Emotionally those involved in philanthropic work had a sense of control over their circumstances, increased ability to cope with crisis and stronger feelings of personal satisfaction, compassion and empathy.

During your life, you may have experienced a “helper’s high,” without knowing the phenomena existed. Do you remember how you felt right after you finished a long run or tough workout? Until the pain sinks in you probably felt fantastic. Strenuous exercise released endorphins which created an elated feeling known as the runner’s high. Working with charity actually produced a similar endorphin response now called “helper’s high”. Research has found many similarities in the two responses.

A charity in New York City recently conducted a survey of 3,300 volunteers. Many experienced feelings of euphoria while involved in their service project. The volunteers compared the experience to the runner's high; instead of feeling exhausted at the end of the project, they felt relaxed and joyous.

Giving makes you feel better. It may be a key factor in living longer as well. Dr. Stephanie Brown and her colleagues at the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan tracked 423 older couples over a 5 year period. People who reported giving no support to others were more than twice as likely to die during the five year study. The simple act of giving to neighbors, a spouse, relative or friends gave people a 50% better chance of living longer.

If you are already involved with charitable work, you know the joy of contributing to your fellow man. You are connected to the community while helping those who truly need it. For those of you, who are not involved with philanthropic endeavors, get involved. Get started. You heart, your health and your world will thank you for it.

Eli Davidson, is a nationally recognized expert in "Turnaround Techniques." National Public Radio has callef her "The Creativity Guru." Her rousing keynote speeches help audiences to Create The Life Your Want, Not the One You Are Stuck With.

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• You Expect What You Believe