Why Volunteering is Good for Seniors
Getting older has some privileges that come with it, and one of the main ones is having more time available to pursue passions and leisure activities, hobbies, and adventures such as travel. When older adults and seniors find themselves hitting the milestone of having their children grown up and moved out and retiring from their careers, they often experience this dramatic transition in life with the realization that it is necessary to now completely reshape their daily routines and personal identities.
One excellent way to navigate this transition, while also filling their newfound free time meaningfully and retaining a sense of purpose, is with volunteering. Volunteering allows seniors to connect with their community and make a positive impact in the environment in which they live as well as the lives of the people around them. By becoming a volunteer, the way is paved for seniors to retain or rediscover their sense of individuality and direction, as well as rekindle their interests and enhance their skills.
Recent studies have shown that seniors who spend their time doing volunteer work not only improve the lives of others, but also improve their own lives at the same time. Senior volunteers report having improved mental and physical health, and reduced feelings of isolation or loneliness.
For seniors in particular, the act of volunteering not only represents an opportunity for them to give back to their communities, but also gives them a roadmap to personal growth, social connections, and improved well-being. There are many ways seniors can engage in volunteer work that allows them to find satisfaction in making a real difference.
Many organizations seek out and are thrilled to welcome experienced older adults and seniors for the purpose of mentoring children and young adults. From providing instruction in specific subjects, to simply being there for them and offering life advice, the wisdom of senior citizens cannot be overstated in its importance. These interactions will not only enhance the lives of the younger generation, but also bring fulfillment and connection to the mentors.
For those in the older generation who love the great outdoors and the natural world, a great volunteer activity would be participating in things like local cleanup activities, conservation projects, or working in community gardens. In addition to providing the satisfaction of improving the health and beauty of the planet, gardening is also a great way to keep oneself physically active and healthy.
A good volunteer opportunity for animal lovers is donating their time to animal shelters. These places offer a variety of different roles that could be well suited to seniors, such as performing administrative duties, to more active tasks such as feeding, grooming, or walking the animals. Not only do the animals receive much needed care and socialization, but the volunteers are also provided with an enriching experience that is a meaningful way for them to give back and stay active.
Volunteering has been linked with reduced symptoms of depression, lower blood pressure, and a longer lifespan. By being active and engaging with others, mental and physical health can significantly improve.
Volunteering offers seniors a fulfilling way to stay active, engaged, and connected while giving back to their communities. At Senior Helpers of Gilbert & Chandler, we understand the importance of maintaining an active and meaningful lifestyle as you age. Our compassionate caregivers can help support your loved ones with personal care, companionship, and more in Gilbert, Chandler, Sun Lakes, and surrounding areas. Call us today at (480) 870-9936 or email us to learn how we can assist in improving the quality of life for your loved ones.