By Karen Guice | Webster Parish Council on Aging
Karen’s Korner,
Since we have talked about eating a healthy diet, getting the proper rest and exercise, staying active, becoming involved at a recreation center, or having regular doctor visits to improve our health and well-being, and there is yet another great healthy habit to add to your goals for a fulfilling senior adult life: Volunteering!
In talking with seniors here at the Council on Aging, some have expressed a need to be useful or helpful. Several have taken early retirement, some have lost a spouse, the kids have moved away, or they are just alone or bored, for the majority of the time.
Volunteerism is simply giving time, energy, and skills to support causes or communities without financial compensation! It provides social connection and personal growth for the one volunteering, and provides a purpose also.
While most volunteer positions are usually open to participation, some require specific skills, background checks, training, and a minimum time commitment.
There are several types of volunteer work you may want to consider, according to Google.
- Direct Services – Homeless shelters, food banks, hospitals, aiding disaster relief, or emergency centers, and delivering meals on wheels!
- Skill-based/Pro Bono – Offering professional expertise like marketing, legal, or IT services.
- Virtual/Remote – Online mentoring, translating, or data entry.
- Community/Environment – Park clean-up, coaching, fund-raising, promotional activities.
As a result of participating in volunteerism, the individual improves their mental health, reduces stress, increases long-lasting social connections, and often builds a new “Skills set!” It also enhances employability, leadership capabilities, and fills that void many seniors face from day to day.
Being a volunteer is a great service to all! See if you might be interested, and plug in somewhere. You’ll never know until you try.