AGE | Stay Active, Stay Connected…Volunteer!

There is strength in a community when its citizens give back through volunteerism. Not only is it good for the community, but it’s also beneficial for the person who gives back and donates their time. This is especially true for older adults who give their time and talents.  

Research consistently shows that volunteering is good for older adults’ health. Being active, connecting with others, and sense of purpose add up to real health benefits and provide the opportunity to develop new skills. 

• Mental Health – Volunteering keeps your brain active and engaged. By volunteering, meaningful contributions are made to the community and the result can be happiness and feeling more positive. According to the National Institute on Aging, volunteering may also lower the risk of dementia and other health issues.
  
• Less Loneliness and Aloneness – Getting out and engaging with others through volunteering can have a direct impact on social engagement. Volunteering is a way to meet new people, make new friends with like-minded people as well as an opportunity to get out into your community.
  
• Purpose – As we grow older, our sense of purpose can begin to fade as we retire from careers and children leave home and create their own lives. Strengthening purpose through volunteering is motivating and can lead to a feeling of accomplishment.
  
• Physical Activity – Staying physically active is imperative to staying healthy and independent. Volunteering promotes activity and moving whether it’s helping at a food bank or a clean-up effort at a local park. It’s good to get out and move!
  
• Promotes Generational Interaction – By connecting with people of all generations, older adults can share life lessons and experiences. Volunteering also provides opportunities to learn from people of all ages and gain new perspectives and points of view. Through sharing, all generations may acquire respect and gain knowledge from each other.
  
• Reignite Interests and Skills – Revisit an old hobby that you haven’t taken part in for some time…it may lead to a volunteer opportunity to benefit others in the community. Volunteering might be just the thing to liven things up as well as learn some new skills along the way. You might even discover a new passion!