At Senior Lifestyle, we know that volunteers are the backbone of every community. They provide unique talents and perspectives, selflessly sharing time and energy for the benefit of others. During National Volunteer Week we celebrate and recognize the efforts of those who work for the betterment of their communities across the country.
Volunteerism is alive and well through organizations like Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, AmeriCorps, a network of national service programs that foster civic engagement, and RSVP, one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 and over. This network matches senior volunteers with diverse service opportunities in their communities, from tutoring and mentoring disadvantaged youth to organizing neighborhood watch programs or assisting victims of natural disasters. RSVP’s programs provide those with a lifetime of experience to share with opportunities to share that experience with others in a meaningful way.
While volunteers make an impact in the lives of those they serve, they may not know about the personal benefits of volunteering. In addition to feeling a renewed sense of purpose, meeting new people with similar mindsets and discovering an outlet for their skills and talents, volunteers often reap health benefits, with studies finding that volunteers of all ages experience fewer hospital stays than those who don’t volunteer and have better overall health and lower stress levels, as well as more stamina. In addition, volunteers often learn new skills, become more connected with their communities, and benefit both socially and professionally from the relationships built in the course of volunteer work. Other benefits of volunteering include:
CONNECTIONS TO OTHERS
Sharing a volunteer opportunity strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network. It can also be an opportunity to sharpen your social skills.
MIND AND BODY HEALTH
Volunteering improves self-confidence by providing a sense of pride and purpose. Additionally, volunteering helps combat depression.
FUN AND FULFILLMENT
Volunteering can provide a meaningful break from everyday work, school and family commitments, often these breaks can re-energize the volunteer when they return to their everyday tasks. Volunteering can often lead to new hobbies, or even provide the opportunity to enjoy current hobbies and share them with others.
Whether you can give an hour per week or an hour per month, volunteering is time well spent and will make a difference in your community and your life. To learn more about the benefits of volunteering in your area, please visit our website at www.seniorlifestyle.com.