Benefits of Staying Active through Volunteerism

Seniors who volunteer are happily creating a “win-win” situation in their neighborhood and in their lives.

Volunteers make a huge difference every day at local churches, community centers, schools, libraries, and health care organizations.  Community service organizations thrive when they engage the services of seniors specifically by reducing costs with the donated time of the seniors.That altruistic act of volunteering can then pay special dividends for seniors.  According to the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA), studies have shown that there are numerous emotional, cognitive and physical benefits to volunteering.

Emotional Benefits. Volunteerism can help seniors overcome feelings of being isolated and depressed.  Giving back to the surrounding community allows seniors to make social connections close to home and may give a senior a sense of purpose which can make a huge difference in attitude and overall outlook.  Having something to look forward to daily or weekly can make a senior feel needed and important.

Cognitive Benefits. Recent  VNA studies of senior volunteers indicate that “staying active and alert and on-the-move through volunteerism can slow cognitive decline.” By volunteering in the classroom or library where certain mental tasks are used can increase “executive function”  and increase brain activity.  As an added benefit – sharing a special talent, skill or experiences can increase mental acuity by working the region of the brain involved with  memory and speech.  These mental benefits are long lasting and in many cases keep a senior intellectually stimulated.

Physical Benefits.  Giving back can help improve your physical well-being.  Merely by being active while you volunteer can aid in maintaining muscle strength and flexibility.  The Senior Care Network reports that 75% of seniors with chronic conditions say volunteering helps them manage the pain of diseases such as arthritis, diabetes and high blood-pressure.

It appears that by staying physically active, intellectually stimulated and emotionally connected in a purposeful way has health benefits that may far exceed the outward benefit of helping non-profits that need to rely on volunteers more than ever in this sluggish economy.

How can I get involved?

• Try contacting “Senior Corps, Volunteers of America” to see if there are local non-profits that need assistance. By registering they will match you with a project that can utilize your special skills.
• “AARP Create the Good” will have lists of volunteer opportunities in your area.
• Contact your local church, school,  or library depending upon your interests to see if they are accepting new volunteers.
• Look for fliers at your local senior center where they may be able to assist you with transportation to and from the volunteer location.
• Ask friends what volunteer about projects that they have enjoyed in the past.

Resources:

• Visiting Nurses Association
• Retirement Living by Kimberly Vickers
• Senior Care Network

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