Live longer -- help somebody

When you do good for others, you do good for yourself. A new study from the American Psychological Association published this month found that those who volunteer because of altruistic reasons lived longer.

And what can be more unselfish than helping the frailest among us? The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is looking for volunteers to make weekly visits to nursing homes and assisted-living centers to serve as patient advocates. Your mission is to resolve problems and complaints by working with administrators and staff to improve the lives of the residents. Many patients do not have family and friends to speak up for them.

To volunteer in Suffolk, call 631-427-3700, ext. 240. In Nassau, call 516-466-9718. The Ombudsman service is a federally mandated program.