Seniors often pick up new interests and hobbies after their retirement. It is known amongst many that exercising or partaking in social activities, such as joining book or gardening clubs, and having group exercises in the park, can provide great benefits for our senior loved ones. However, are there any benefits to volunteering for seniors? After all, there are many seniors who wish to contribute and give back to the community.
After their retirement, seniors may wish to work on something that can provide them with a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment. And for many of them, making a difference in the lives of others actually does it for them! Recent studies have also shown that seniors who volunteer were really seeing and experiencing health benefits. Are you or your loved ones sitting on the fence about volunteering? We have listed four benefits of volunteering for seniors to give you a little boost of motivation.
Volunteering for Seniors Benefits Mental Health
According to a study by The Gerontologist, regardless of different volunteering activities taken on by the seniors, all seniors stated that they saw an improvement in their self-esteem and quality of life, and many of them realized that they had also gained a more positive outlook on life. Having social interactions with others during volunteering is important for our seniors. Through volunteering, they are given more opportunities to interact with others, and this lowers the risk of depression caused by social isolation. Furthermore, partaking in meaningful activities also helps to keep their brain active, thus reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Volunteering for Seniors can Bridge Generational Gaps
Initially, some seniors may find it difficult to understand and connect with the younger generations. Through shared volunteering experiences with children and younger adults, seniors can have the opportunity to learn from the newer generation, who can give them new perspectives of looking at life. In return, seniors, with their wealth of experience, can impart some important life lessons to the younger ones – it is a win-win situation.
Volunteering for Senior Encourages Physical Activity
It is no mystery that being physically active provides many health benefits to seniors. From sorting library books to walking shelter dogs, volunteering is a good way to kickstart this regimen to encourage seniors to stay active. Furthermore, volunteering is a good preview to gauge which level of physical activity they are prepared for!
Meet Other Volunteers with Common Interests
Through shared volunteering experiences, opportunities are created for seniors to build new friendships with others who share the same interests as them. Since many seniors usually choose to volunteer for a cause or interest that they are passionate about, they will be able to meet with like-minded individuals!
Volunteering for seniors will make them part of an inclusive community. Not only will volunteering keep them physically active, but also improve their health and mental wellness. Being surrounded by people, having opportunities for meaningful interactions and being able to do something purposeful can help seniors keep feelings of loneliness and isolation at bay.
