Benefits of Volunteering for Seniors
Retirement is fantastic, but sometimes the downtown can feel dull, and you may want to find something new to occupy yourself. Many older adults find volunteering a great alternative to spending time at home, and it’s an activity that can provide various benefits to seniors and people of all ages.
Volunteering Benefits
People volunteer for numerous reasons. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, find a sense of purpose, and put yourself in a better mood. Plus, volunteering can be tons of fun once you find the right fit for you.
A place for social interaction
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, loneliness and social isolation affect many older adults, increasing their risk for dementia and other severe medical conditions. Volunteering is a fun and safe way to meet new people with similar interests and build your social calendar. It’s also an excellent reason for you to leave the house and get you interacting with the community.
Provides a sense of purpose
It’s common for seniors to feel like they’ve lost their purpose as they get older, especially with retirement, aging children, and losing friends. Working for a nonprofit or charity is a great way to find meaning in your daily life again. Look for an organization that shares your values and has a mission that you can stand behind. The more you believe in the volunteer work you’re doing, the easier it will be to feel fulfilled.
It teaches you something new
You may enter a volunteering situation because you have desirable skills that can help an organization or nonprofit, but while you spend time there, you’ll likely learn tons of new skills. If you’re working at a shelter, you might learn more about the demographic in your community and what supplies are the most difficult for shelters to get. Volunteering for a fair might teach you all the details of putting on a major event. Working at an animal shelter can give you insight into what it’s like to own and care for a pet.
It’s fun!
All the benefits of volunteering boil down to one thing; fun. It’s enjoyable to interact with new people, work for a mission-driven organization, and learn new skills while volunteering your time to help those in your community.
Volunteer Ideas for Seniors
If volunteering sounds terrific, but you’re not sure where to start, consider these ideas!
- Work with an animal shelter- Many animal shelters are looking for volunteers to help feed, wash, and play with animals. You can also help clean kennels, interact with adoptees visiting the shelter, or assist with administrative tasks.
- Volunteer your skills- Whether your skills include managing an expense report, marketing an event, or building a shelf, a nonprofit could use your expertise. Contact a charity you support and ask if your skill set matches their needs.
- Mentorship- Mentorship is a great way to guide someone through a life event you’ve already experienced. Mentorships can include helping high school students apply for college, assisting entry-level professionals in finding success in your previous line of work or helping neighbors through their first years in the community.
- Organize a community event- Many communities host various fairs or block parties and may need assistance setting up the event, checking people in, or serving food. Talk to the head of your local events and ask if they could use your help.
Are you ready to start volunteering? Check out these fantastic volunteer opportunities to help your community in Atlanta East!
How Visiting Angels Can Help
If you’re an older adult interested in volunteering but need assistance using the internet to find opportunities or transportation to events, the team at Visiting Angels is happy to help! Our Atlanta East office provides various at-home care services and serves those in Atlanta, Buckhead, Decatur, Vinings, and the surrounding communities. You can send us a message online or call 404.358.5877 to learn more.