How Can Volunteering Affect Senior’s Life
Retirement is a huge milestone many adults look forward to for years. Once they are retired, they have more time on their hands, which they realize later. They aren’t sure how to occupy themselves.
Volunteering can be a great way to use this time wisely and more effectively. Moreover, the work done benefits the volunteer, the organization they are assisting, and the individuals impacted by that organization.
Here are a few ways older adults can benefit from volunteering in their community:
- Socializing with others
Spending a long time in a workplace is being surrounded by different people. But once they retire, they miss this daily social interaction and stimulation. Volunteering is a great alternative. Seniors can get back out in the community, engage with others, and make new friends, thus reducing their depression, isolation, loneliness, and boredom.
- Having a sense of purpose
Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back and gain a sense of purpose. Seniors know whatever they are doing is making a difference in others’ lives, which can be incredibly rewarding. It gives them something to look forward to each week and a way to build routine and schedule to their day where they otherwise might have unstructured free time. It can be fulfilling to volunteer with an organization they are passionate about.
- Staying active
Many volunteer positions have some physical activity built into them, whether walking, standing, bending, light lifting, or sorting. Grouping donations, stuffing envelopes, walking shelter animals, or showing visitors where they need to go, can help seniors stay active and integrate more movement into their day.
- Keeping the mind sharp
Depending on the position, older adults can learn new skills and use critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, or planning skills. They can also use their knowledge and abilities differently than they previously had. It is good to stretch their mind and do something where they have to focus or complete a multi-step process.
- Exploring new interests
Seniors can also volunteer to do something they have never done before. They can find an organization that needs help they hadn’t previously heard of or take on a role they hadn’t considered. It can make their work more exciting because they are learning something new and broadening their interests.
There are volunteer opportunities to fit every interest and ability level. Whether seniors want to volunteer once or multiple times for ongoing projects, they have the option.
By volunteering once or several days a week, they can find something to fit their schedule. There are organizations for everything from helping children, animals, disabled people, or the elderly to save the earth, promote the arts, or serve at a food bank or soup kitchen.
In-home care services can provide seniors with companionship and assistance with daily activities to promote improved independence and quality of life while aging. Their caregivers can help seniors plan their volunteer schedule, escort them on outings, and have stimulating conversations about their day, looking forward to make an impact in the community.
Contact Always Best Care (East Bay) at 925-210-0323 to schedule a care consultation and learn more about the benefits of in-home care for older adults.
