Thursday 10 August 2017

Why Volunteering Keeps You Young At Heart

Giving to others has proven to be one of the most fundamental ways to bring fulfillment and contentment into your life. Research studies have proven that when people volunteer their time to help others it promotes a sense of well-being and greater purpose in the individual’s life. Seniors are at a unique time period when they are able to volunteer their time and also have the wisdom to impart to others.

Here are some other great reasons to volunteer:
  1. Reduces the senior’s risk of depression. Being isolated is common for seniors. Oftentimes spouses have passed away, children and friends have moved away and the senior finds themselves alone most of the time. By volunteering, it gets the senior out and about and with other people which ultimately leads to less loneliness, and less depression.
  2. It connects seniors with the younger generation. While seniors, certainly, have accrued much more wisdom over their years than the younger generation, both can learn from each other. And, when seniors interact with kids, teens, and younger adults, it boosts their “young at heart” attitude.
  3. It’s good for the brain. Did you know that as we get older, our brain shrinks up to 10%? This results in cognitive impairment and decline. Fortunately, this can be delayed or staved off by participating in activities that promote good brain activity – and volunteering is one of them. The physical aspect of volunteering also helps the brain through increased blood and air flow to the brain.
  4. Puts seniors in a more positive light. Youthfulness is glorified in this world, oftentimes leaving seniors out to dry. By volunteering their time, seniors can help promote a more positive light surrounding the senior experience, helping to change society’s POV.
Volunteer opportunities exclusively for seniors:
  1. Seniors helping Seniors
  2. RSVP
  3. The International Senior Lawyers Project
  4. Foster Grandparents
  5. Road Scholar Service Learning
  6. The Senior Companion Program.

If you are a senior living in the Raleigh area and would like to learn about home care assistance in Raleigh or assisted living in Raleigh NC, you are invited to contact the Always Best Care Raleigh location at 919-724-4297 to set up a free care consultation. They look forward to hearing from you!