The parentgiving.com website chose to start their series on healthy aging with volunteering because people often don’t recognize its great value and because it so perfectly fits with the objectives of maintaining and improving our physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
Raise your hand and get started volunteering!
We’ve all dreamt of having the free time to do as we wish. Unfortunately, that sweet dream can sour quickly. All that free time can turn into long, unproductive days, weeks and years that can be rife with boredom and uncertainty.
Volunteering can be an important contributor to the wellbeing of retirees, their families and communities. There are also many indirect benefits to contributing time and energy through volunteering. Many retirees find that volunteering is a fulfilling way to use their valuable skills, give back to their communities and mentor others.
The Facts
- Health is affected by social, economic and behavioural factors operating throughout the life cycle; among these are a sense of community including social support networks and social activities.
- Volunteering among seniors has been linked to improved quality of life, stronger social networks, increased levels of physical activity and lower mortality rates.
- One of the key benefits of volunteering is social support. Many seniors are at risk for social isolation and aging-related stresses.
- Volunteerism contributes to healthy aging by enhancing life satisfaction and wellbeing, sense of purpose, self-confidence and personal growth.
Keep the following tips in mind when planning where, when and how to volunteer:
- Time management is important — a good amount to start with is a couple of hours a week.
- Make it convenient — there are probably plenty of opportunities near your home, or consider virtual* volunteering that you can do from the comfort of your home.
- Be patient and let the organization know you will take it seriously and be committed.
- Even if they interview you, you also get to choose the social environment you want to be in, a luxury you may not have been afforded in your previous work life.
- Know what you enjoy, which is often what you’re good at. Don’t try to reach too far beyond what you’ve enjoyed in the past, at least not at first.
- If you are also looking at volunteering as a learning experience, let them know that when you’re exploring the opportunity.
Expect that you will have to do some searching to find the right fit. Be prepared to invest time and effort in the search process, but try to make it enjoyable. Approaching volunteering with the right attitude can make all the difference.
Adding volunteer work into your weekly plans can play an important role in healthy aging!
Read the full article “Healthy Aging: How Volunteering Helps”
*See our article “Virtual Volunteering – What does Virtual Volunteering Even Mean? Is it for Me?”
