ElderLink Shares How Volunteering Can Help Seniors as They Age

As we age, it’s common to establish retirement goals. Most people don’t want to be swallowed in their world of isolation during their golden years. So, they choose to sink themselves in activities and hobbies they enjoy the most.

If you have not been planning towards retirement, it’s not too late to start. It’s wise to avoid scenarios and circumstances that breed isolation as we age. Many seniors do not have a hard time settling for an activity they love or anything that catches their interest. While you ponder over these thoughts and try to fix your mind on the best route to take upon retirement, it’s wise to explore many options. One of them is volunteering. Have you thought of giving back to the community?

There is a connection between seniors and volunteering says
ElderLink.org, because many of them would like to engage in activities that give them a sense of fulfillment and joy.  Even more than that, seniors who volunteer enjoy some health benefits which significantly impact their well being. Here are some of the benefits.

  • Bridge the generational gap

Many seniors find it challenging to connect and relate with younger ones. This is because of the generational gap. Hence, when seniors volunteer with kids and younger adults, chances are they are going to learn to look at life from a different perspective. Also, younger ones can learn a lot about life from their wealth of experience the senior offers as well.

  • It helps to improve self-esteem

The satisfaction derived from making a difference, and putting a smile on the face of another is more than enough to increase the self-worth of many seniors as some may feel left out from the happenings in the world around them. The impact of volunteering on mental health is enormous.

FIVE IMPORTANT REASONS IT MAKES SENSE TO VOLUNTEER

  1. Healthy body, healthy mind – Studies show volunteering is good for both our bodies and our minds. Among other benefits, volunteering can reduce stress, improve mood, help prevent loneliness and lower the risk of developing high blood pressure. So, for older adults with physical ailments, volunteering can make you feel better.
  2. Trying new things – Volunteering allows older adults to stay active. Whether reading to school children, visiting with patients in the hospital or baking dog treats for a local shelter, volunteering offers an array of opportunities to try new things.
  3. Leaving a legacy – Older adults often think about how they have contributed to the world and what mark they will leave behind. Volunteering gives a sense of purpose, while simultaneously making a positive difference in the world by improving the life of another.
  4. Connecting with others – Forging connections with people is part of what makes us human. Volunteering provides more opportunities to connect with different types of people. Communities large and small are always in search of intergenerational opportunities for residents, such as working in a community garden with a group of Eagle Scouts or writing cards to soldiers with a local youth group.
  5. It’s enjoyable – When a senior who volunteers at the library was asked why volunteering is important to her, she said, “It’s fun, and it gives me something to do. ”She’s right; being a small part of something much larger than yourself is just plain fun.
  6. Bottom line, it helps seniors to stay active – So important Seniors engage in activities that can help them to remain physically active when possible. Most volunteering activities include walking, talking, stretching, and other physical activities that encourage seniors to become mentally alert and physically fit.

  • Helps seniors to grow in knowledge and experience

Let’s face it, you are never too old to learn new things. Personal growth is one of the many benefits of volunteering for seniors. Aging should not prevent you from expanding your horizon and gaining experience about new ways of living. More so, it will help you to meet with others who share your interests and goals.

Volunteering is a great way to make new friends, see the world through a different pair of glasses, and one of the best ways to reach for more exceptional accomplishments as you age. ElderLink.org can help you discover various senior living options and facilities that will enable you and your loved one to achieve a sense of accomplishment.

Contact us today and find out how much easier life can be for a senior family member when you are dealing with the oldest and most respected senior referral service in California. 1-800 613-5772 or click this link and tell us how the experts can best assist you and your needs?