What if there was a study dedicated to unearthing the secrets to a happy life?  Researchers analyzed data from 40 published papers and found evidence that volunteering, in fact, boosts happiness.  Volunteers had lower levels of depression, increased life satisfaction and enhanced well-being.  And for those who want to live a long happy life, volunteers had a 20 percent lower risk of death than non-volunteers. It is not that helpful people tend to be healthier and happier but instead studies show that helping others itself causes happiness.