Volunteering has many benefits for seniors. While retirement years are supposed to be “golden,” many seniors experience a loss of meaning and purpose once they’ve stopped working. You may become bored or feel lost or directionless. You can also miss out on friendships with colleagues and the social aspects of your workplace. This can make retirement a little less enjoyable. However, volunteering can resolve all of these issues! Volunteering is a great way to fill your life with purpose, meaning, friends, and joy. Let’s explore the benefits of volunteering for seniors, and check out some simple ways to start volunteering today.
Physical Benefits of Volunteering for Seniors
Volunteering is actually good for your health! Studies have shown that people who volunteer 100 or more hours per year (which sounds like a lot, but is really less than 2 hours a week) lived longer and were more physically active than those who did not (1). It’s also been associated with lower blood pressure and fewer symptoms in people with chronic illness. While volunteering isn’t going to cure you of any conditions, it is likely to improve your quality of life. The responsibilities and tasks associated with volunteering also keep your brain active, reducing your risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering for Seniors
There are also many mental health benefits of volunteering for seniors. Shifting your focus towards people in need tends to help you have a happier worldview. It’s also been shown to improve your sense of optimism and purpose in life, and reduce depressive symptoms and feelings of loneliness (2). You may also experience more overall well-being and increased self-esteem.
Social Benefits of Volunteering
One of the greatest benefits of volunteering for seniors is simply giving you the opportunity to make friends and interact with others. Being a part of your community can help you feel less alone and more supported, which is especially important for seniors who may be at a lonelier stage of life.
How to Start Volunteering
As you can see, there are many benefits to volunteering for seniors. Volunteering is likely to improve your physical and mental health, as well as help you spend time with others and make friends. But getting started can be challenging. Here are a few tips and easy ways to start volunteering now.
Choosing An Organization
The first step to your role as a volunteer is choosing what organization you’re going to volunteer with. For most seniors, volunteering through organizations is the easiest and most effective way to help others. While one person can always make a difference, organizations like the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, United We Serve, and the American Cancer Society have strength in numbers and the ability to enact significant change in many people’s lives. Here are some of the top organizations to volunteer with in the United States.
Best Volunteer Organizations
- Local churches. If you belong to a church, serving your community by volunteering is a great way to become part of something larger than yourself. You’ll also be likely to meet friends and neighbors who share your interests and live near you.
- Americorps Seniors is a government-run service for people over the age of 55 that matches your talents and interests to those in need. It’s an excellent place to start if you’re feeling lost and don’t know how best to help.
- Volunteer at a National Park near you. The National Parks Service would love your help in leading tours, maintaining or rebuilding trails, or hosting a campground. There are many opportunities to preserve and explore America’s natural beauty. Volunteering with National Parks is also likely to help keep you physically active and enjoying the benefits of the great outdoors.
- Help build homes in your community, or teach or organize others with Habitat for Humanity.
- Few of us are untouched by the effects of cancer in our modern world. The American Cancer Society has many ways you can support cancer patients, organize or participate in awareness events, and be an advocate.
- If you love animals, ask your local Humane Society if they need any volunteers. Walking dogs is good for the soul, and you may just find your new best friend!
- The American Red Cross organizes blood drives across the country. This donated blood saves countless lives every day. You can become a volunteer ambassador to help organize blood drives, or transport donations to hospitals. If you have experience as a nurse or phlebotomist, your expertise will be much appreciated as well.
Start Volunteering Now
As you can see, there are tons of ways you can start volunteering now, and many benefits of volunteering for seniors. It doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. Think of your strengths and the things you enjoy doing. There is a way for almost every talent and strength to help someone else. You’re likely to find increased meaning in your life, make new friends, and feel a new sense of optimism and vitality.
The Stellar Foundation
Did you know Stellar Living values giving back as well? The Stellar Living Foundation is a donor-funded way to give back to seniors all over the world. Stellar’s mission is to provide support to residents, employees, and communities. They seek to provide financial relief, educational support, and assistance in medical advancements for organizations like The Alzheimer’s Association.
