“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on this earth.” This quote from humanitarian Marian Wright Edelman conveys the importance of helping others. In your senior years, if your health and circumstances allow, volunteering can be incredibly rewarding and life-affirming. Explore how to give back to your community, and consider how serving others could make your life feel more complete.
Why Is Service Important for Seniors?
Did you know that baby boomers are among the most active volunteer populations in the United States? Volunteering is a popular activity for seniors who want to make their communities better places. And seniors get much more out of serving others than a basic sense of satisfaction. When seniors spend their golden years giving back to their communities, they reap the benefits as well:
- Volunteering is great for seniors’ mental health because it gives them a sense of purpose and helps them make new social connections. Seniors who volunteer have lower rates of depression and anxiety and an improved sense of self-esteem.
- Volunteering can help you stay physically active, which will obviously have a positive impact on your health. Seniors who volunteer even have lower mortality rates than seniors who don’t.
- Volunteering is a great way to share your wisdom and energy with the next generation. Community service can help you find new value in a lifetime’s worth of wisdom and give you a legacy you can be proud of.
Getting Started
If you’re a senior looking to serve, there’s probably a great opportunity waiting right under your nose. Find the right volunteer gig for you by considering what you’re already passionate about and exploring how you can contribute:
- Are you passionate about a local nonprofit institution like a museum? Check their website for volunteer opportunities, or give them a call and ask to speak to their volunteer coordinator.
- Do you have a professional skill you’d like to contribute to a community organization? Many nonprofits need experienced volunteers with advanced skills in various areas, like accounting or event organizing. Don’t hesitate to offer your expertise!
- Are you looking for an opportunity created especially for seniors like you? Dozens of organizations exist just to support senior volunteers in finding service opportunities that meet their needs.
- Do you need a more accessible volunteer opportunity than in-person service work? Virtual volunteering allows you to work on your own schedule from the comfort of your home.
- Do you want to improve your neighborhood? Look for local projects like clean-ups and community gardens, and ask how you can get involved.
Keeping It Going
Once you’ve found a volunteer opportunity you’re passionate about, find a way to make it work for you. When it comes to community service, consistency and reliability are critical. Start with a minimal commitment, and give yourself plenty of time to learn the ropes. Schedule breaks and focus on self-care to avoid burnout. Most importantly, celebrate the great things you achieve with your fellow volunteers and focus on all the rewarding aspects of the work.
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To really learn how to give back to your community, you’ll need to do a little research into local organizations, but we hope this was a good starting point. Where can you make a difference in your neighborhood?
Are you seeking an assisted living, memory support, or physician-directed nursing community in Kansas City? Check out The Piper. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals ensures that “residents feel secure” and comfortable immediately. At our warm and welcoming community, which is truly a “home within a home,” we foster social interaction, engagement, and the right amount of care. Our residents always come first. To learn more about our services, please schedule a tour, call us at 913-361-5136, or send us a message online.