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Senior Moments: Volunteering, a pathway to well-being

Volunteers at Toni's Kitchen.
October 24, 2014
By: 
Pat Moulton

"It's in giving that we receive." – Prayer of St. Francis

If there were a way to help others, feel great about yourself, and make a difference, at no cost to you, would you be interested? There is. If you haven’t yet tried it yet, it’s volunteering. And there are ways to keep the volunteering experience fresh and rewarding, so read on.

Many of us find real joy in helping others through volunteering. Once we’ve left the workplace, we often find we still want (or need) a reason to get up and get going in the morning. Doing something you like, meeting and working together with new friends, and the satisfaction of perhaps making the world just a little better, are great motivators.

And these activities are not only great motivators, they are also great for your health. Research has shown that those who give social support to others not only live longer but have a greater sense of well-being than those who do not. Volunteering can protect you from social isolation during difficult times and can lead to a greater sense of self-worth and trust.

How do you start? Ask yourself what you like to do or what you would like to learn and go from there. Here are just a few examples.

  • There are charity kitchens in need of help for those who like food, eating healthy, or cooking. They also need help doing chores like setting tables, serving, cleaning up, and often office help. If helping those less fortunate feels good to you, this can be a great fit.

  • There are many clerical and administrative opportunities available at libraries and most national and local charitable organizations for those who enjoy using skills from their former work life.

  • If you’re a caring person you may want to consider becoming a hospice volunteer. Volunteers provide Patient Companionship, Respite for families, and much more. And, volunteers almost unanimously say the get back far more than they give. Volunteer opportunities at local hospitals are also available, for example, greeting and directing visitors to patient’s rooms along with many other activities.

  • If you like accounting or doing your own income taxes, or just want an activity to keep your mind sharp, consider joining the AARP Tax Aide program. It’s a great way to exercise your brain while providing a much appreciated service. You’ll be trained locally to assist seniors and individuals with low to moderate income with their state and federal income tax returns.

But it is important to be a savvy volunteer, as volunteering can present some challenges. First and foremost would be time commitment. Don’t forget to pace yourself and don’t be afraid to say “no” to that additional “exciting opportunity” offered to you by the ever-enthusiastic director of volunteers. Many times the volunteer’s reward for a job well done is an additional committee assignment. Be careful!

Next, consider the “people factor.” When you volunteer, you have to deal with people and all the idiosyncrasies of human relationships. Let’s face it, even well-meaning volunteers can get carried away with their perceived “leadership status.” Remember that boss who drove you crazy? Well, the good news is that although these vocal leaders can make life unpleasant for others, they usually don’t last very long in their roles. So hang in there and remember that you, the volunteer, can remove yourself from that situation at any time.

And how about the impact of a particular volunteer opportunity on your health? That is a critical consideration, as certain settings can put a strain on one’s emotional, physical, and mental health. Just think carefully before you take the volunteer plunge.

But here is the bottom line. Many worthwhile groups and organizations rely on volunteers for their survival. And almost all volunteers insist that they get back far more than they give. Comments such as; “It (volunteering) has made a wonderful difference in my life,” “I look forward to my volunteer day every week” and “We get more than we give” are heard frequently among active volunteers.

Here are some examples of just a few places where you can begin your volunteering adventure:

So give volunteering a try. We think that you’ll treasure the experience. And if you have questions or suggestions, contact us at seniors@dionewark.org.