Good News from a Newspaper in Sydney Australia (Nov 11, 2016)
Taking part in Scouts or Girl Guides appears to help lower the risk of mental illness later in life, a study suggests.
A University of Edinburgh study of almost 10,000 people from across the UK born in 1958 found a significant number of those who participated in the organizations as children tended to have better health at age 50.
In fact, 15 per cent were less likely to suffer anxiety or mood disorders compared with others.
The likelihood of mental illness in those from poorer backgrounds was reduced.
Scouts involves many outdoor activities and major events like jamborees where children are away from home for up to 14 days, learning how to care for themselves and others. The study, supported by the Economic and Social Research Council, was published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
Lead researcher Professor Chris Dibben said he was quite startled by the findings and believed the benefits would apply today.
