“Friendships and spirits seem to soar when our residents are volunteering and giving back.” Volunteering is mutually advantageous, offering both those serving and those being served a benefit. Residents have reported they feel happier and healthier when volunteering.
Older adults have so much life experience to share with others. Volunteering presents an opportunity to share one’s knowledge and wisdom with others or to simply connect with and help those in need. Upon retirement, it is an opportunity to pursue lifelong, as well as newfound passions.
Betty, a resident at Terracina Grand in Naples, Florida, is very active with volunteering at her community and the memory care community next door. She is in charge of the three libraries, is the organizer for the new resident welcome committee, and writes the newsletter for Villa at Terracina Grand.
Within a senior living community, there are many opportunities to serve others.
“We have residents who volunteer at our community store, run our library, and organize games and activities for the residents in our memory care community,” said Tina, Executive Director at Westpark Village senior living community.
There are also many options for volunteering in one’s local community as well, depending on the one’s interest.
Westpark Village also has a group of women who make crocheted bears that they then donate to the local hospitals.
Whatever interests you or your loved ones, the opportunities to volunteer are endless. We encourage you to speak with senior living communities in your area to learn about ways to get involved, or visit volunteermatch.org to find local serving opportunities that align with your interests.