Benefits of Volunteering for Seniors
By: Kayla Orange
After retiring from a traditional career, you may be left wondering, “what’s next?” For years, your work likely gave you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Retirement brings hours of precious free time, but many find themselves struggling to find exciting and engaging activities to fill their day. If this sounds like you, volunteering may be the perfect way to get out of the house and stay active in your community.
It’s no secret that volunteer efforts help strengthen the community but volunteering also has tremendous health benefits. Volunteering has been linked to increased levels of physical activity, more robust social networks and improved overall quality of life. You’ll also have a chance to share your wisdom, experience, and talents with people you otherwise would never have met.
There are various volunteer opportunities available! These activities will fulfill your desire to give back and allow you to bring along a companion or caregiver for support. Keep reading as we go over the many ways you can get involved in your communities this fall.
Volunteering in the Community
Local volunteer opportunities are a great way for anyone to feel more connected with the community, grow your social circle, and foster more meaningful personal relationships. One popular option is to get involved with a community garden. Elder-accessible gardens allow older volunteers to contribute time and expertise, help grow food, and mentor younger generations. Gardening is also an excellent form of non-strenuous exercise.
If gardening isn’t your thing, consider a community clean-up event. Everyone can do their part in cleaning up the environment. Contact your local authorities and see how you can get involved. Finally, if you’re an avid book lover, volunteering at the local library may sound like a dream! Libraries are notoriously underfunded and always seeking volunteers for help during business hours, perfect for retired seniors. You can spend your free time recommending your favorite books to first-time readers or even helping kids with their homework.
Helping a Non-Profit
There are numerous non-profit organizations, each supporting different causes and community initiatives. The simplest way to get involved is by donating money, clothes, books, and essential items to the organizations whose cause resonates with you the most. You can also help raise money by holding bake sales, organizing community blood drives, or even sending cards and supplies to soldiers overseas.
If you’re more active or hoping to get moving, charity walks and events like Relay for Life are held in nearly every city across the country. These volunteer events benefit the charity and help keep your body moving, which is always advantageous for seniors. Contact your local community leaders for more information about events in your area.
Offer a Helping Hand to Neighbors, Friends, and Family
Simple acts of kindness can often make a huge difference in a person’s day. Many times, the best way to volunteer is by starting with the people around you. For example, you can check in on family members to see if they need help with daily chores or offer to walk a neighbor’s dog while they’re at work. Likewise, preparing a meal for or with your loved ones can be very rewarding and a great way to enjoy some quality time with them in the process.
It’s also helpful for you to interact with younger generations, such as grandchildren or younger nieces and nephews, to share important life lessons. On the flip side, younger generations can help you stay active and teach you new ways of looking at life.
Home Care Services at Royal Care
Interested in getting involved and making an impact in your community? Volunteering and performing random acts of kindness are great ways to spend the day with your caregiver. Talk to your home health aide today about participating in any of the activities we mentioned.
Looking for home care services? Contact Royal Care today to learn more about our comprehensive home health services.