Every day across America, volunteers can be found sharing their time and talents with their communities, supporting causes they find worthwhile, and providing aid to those in need. On April 20th, Volunteer Recognition Day, Senior Lifestyle salutes these helping hands who give time and energy to promote the health of their communities.
While the positive impact volunteers have on their communities is clear, what they may not realize is that they are in fact also helping themselves. Research indicates that we reap numerous benefits when we help others; volunteering can improve one’s physical well-being by reducing heart rate and blood pressure, recharging the immune system, and buffering the impact of stress. Socially, volunteering provides the opportunity to meet like-minded people and form new connections, while also raising self-confidence and self-esteem. Simply put, when we do good, we feel good!
Good news: senior volunteers are highly likely to benefit from volunteering, in part because it provides them with physical and social activity and a sense of purpose. Studies also show that volunteering may actually increase life expectancy while improving quality of life as well. For many seniors, lending a hand can provide an important link to their community at a time when they may be struggling to find meaningful ways to contribute to that community.
More good news: nearly everyone can volunteer in some capacity, whether by lending talents or lending time. Delivering meals to shut ins, making hats and blankets for newborns, and reading to children at a local school or library are all things that may seem small but have a big impact in the community. If you want to volunteer but aren’t sure where to start, call your local United Way or Salvation Army; these local resources can point you in the right direction and may in fact be looking for someone with your exact qualifications!
RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) is a volunteer network for people aged 55 and older. This network matches senior volunteers with diverse service opportunities in their communities, from tutoring and mentoring to renovating homes and assisting victims of natural disasters. Whether you can give an hour per week or an hour per month, it is time well spent and will make a difference in your community!
Volunteer Recognition Day celebrates those who donate their time and abilities for the benefit of others. At Senior Lifestyle, we believe volunteers are a vital part of healthy communities, and while those who volunteer don’t often seek accolades for their service, we believe they deserve to be thanked! To find out more about volunteering, please visit the Senior Lifestyle website and find the community nearest you.