How Volunteering Can Benefit Seniors

Some people love to volunteer, and why not? When you give someone your attention, presence, and time, you are truly doing something important, something that matters greatly to his or her life. What’s more, volunteering can help to instill a sense of fulfillment and purpose in you when you help out at a community event, organization, etc.

Is volunteering something you think you'd be interested in? Let's look at the many benefits of volunteering for seniors.

Reduce Dementia Risks

Per a recent study: Compared to retirees who don't volunteer, those who did on a regular basis – at least one hour per week – were less likely to develop dementia. This doesn't apply to helping out a family member, but rather, a charitable organization, i.e. homeless shelter, library, animal shelter, school, church, etc.

Discover New Skills

Just because you're enjoying your golden years doesn't mean you can't learn something new or develop a new skill. Step outside your comfort zone and try out one of these never before attempted activities (if they apply):

• Bring freshly baked treats or cookies to a new neighbor
• Donate old blankets or towels to an animal shelter (if you love animals, you may consider doing some volunteer work for the animal shelter. Holding puppies, for example, is a volunteer activity that some shelters offer.)
• Rock babies at a hospital, read to small children at a school or daycare center
• Through a community organization, locate a local needy family and sponsor them
• Visit local schools to deliver teacher's survival kits (These are little kits you've put together which can include things like sticky notes, sticker books, stationery, teabags, mints, headache tablets, hand sanitizer, hand cream, lip balm, chocolates, and more.)

Gain a Sense of Purpose and Self

If you don't feel like you're connecting with your community anymore, or that you have no purpose, retirement can be a bit more difficult. By volunteering for groups and organizations centered around your specific values and interests, you may be able to gain a sense of belonging and accomplishment. In fact, you can have emotional and cognitive benefits even when doing volunteer work for as little as one hour per week.

Discourage Loneliness

Feelings of loneliness affect a staggering 15% of the general population. In older adults, the risk of loneliness can increase to up to 30%. While loneliness should not be confused with being alone, it's important – to live happy, healthy lives – for retirees to socialize with others. Volunteering is a great opportunity for socialization.

Enjoy Life to the Max at Conservatory At Alden Bridge

For those residing at Conservatory At Alden Bridge, the opportunities for participation, enjoyment, socialization, exercise, and more abound. Looking for something to do or something to volunteer for? Check with our activities director to see what's happening this month. You may be able to volunteer for something right here.

You can schedule a tour and see for yourself all we have to offer. You'll be glad you did. We look forward to speaking with you.