Volunteering is a rewarding way for seniors to stay physically and mentally active, engage with people in their community, and contribute to causes they are passionate about. The benefits extend beyond simply doing good deeds, research suggests that older adults who volunteer experience improved physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Why Volunteer?
Dedicating time to a service organization can have many positive impacts, especially for older adults, including:
- Improves physical and mental health.
Volunteer activities keep people moving and thinking at the same time. Because of this activity, volunteers report better physical health than non-volunteers. Research also has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for people 65 and older.
Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings. By spending time in service to others, volunteers report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received. And like a domino effect, the physical activity and sense of satisfaction, combined with emotional well-being leads to reduced stress – which lowers risk for chronic illnesses like hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
- Provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills.
The work that volunteers provide is essential to helping many organizations function and complete everyday tasks, giving volunteers a sense of purpose. During this time, they may also learn new on -the-job skills like working on various computer programs, data entry, or project management. Knowing that your contributions are appreciated and have value boosts self-confidence, self-esteem, and overall life satisfaction.
Volunteering may also offer opportunities to continue your passions beyond a career. Retired individuals can continue working in a field they are passionate about, or they can explore an entirely new area of work.
- Nurture new and existing relationships.
Going out and working with others increases social interaction and helps build a support system of individuals with common interests. One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to participate in a shared activity.
In many cases, volunteers have diverse backgrounds, which helps expand their social network and allows them to practice social skills with others. Regardless of their differences, all volunteers are undoubtedly motivated and united in their desire to support their community and/or to make a difference in the lives of others.
What to Consider Before Volunteering
When considering volunteer possibilities, keep in mind that you shouldn’t undertake anything that jeopardizes your health or well-being. It is also important to avoid unethical and unhealthy environments. Researching potential volunteer opportunities in advance can provide assurance in the fit of the type of work. If an organization doesn’t seem legitimate or entirely forthcoming, then look elsewhere.
When starting your search, first decide what type of organization you want to work for. Are you interested in meal prep or delivery, emergency response, or clothing donations? If you want to knit, sew, or crochet, for example, find organizations that offer these volunteer opportunities in your area. Next, read about the organization, their mission statement, vision, and values. If you know someone who has previously worked/volunteered with them, you may want to ask them a few questions. It’s important to ask yourself: Are they consistent with my own views and work goals?
You may also want to consider the type of organization. If you prefer to volunteer with a nonprofit, make sure you find the agency’s 501(c)(3) information somewhere on its website.
Once you’ve explored an organization and decided it’s a good fit for you, consider inviting friends and family to join you!
Volunteering Recommendations in Chicagoland
Having trouble finding somewhere that you would like to donate your time? Or do you prefer to choose from vetted, trusted places? Here are some organizations recommended by Charon Cannon, LSW, MSW, a social worker at RUSH Alzheimer’s Disease Center:
Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly
- https://lbfechicago.org/volunteer/
- This group works to reduce loneliness in the senior population. Through their nationwide network of volunteer-driven organizations, they prioritize spreading joy and kindness in addition to fostering the growth of new friendships. Seniors in the same age group as you can volunteer and spend time with each other, providing companionship and support or engaging in activities together.
Canine Companions
- https://canine.org/get-involved/
- To enable their customers and their dogs to live with more independence, Canine Companions is spearheading the service dog industry. They offer facility dogs to professionals in the medical, legal, and educational fields, as well as service dogs to disabled people, kids, and veterans. Volunteer opportunities are available for Puppy Raisers and Breeder Caretakers.
AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Program
- https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps-seniors/americorps-seniors-rsvp
- Thousands of Americans 55 and older are matched with national groups that are bringing about positive change in their areas through the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Program. The RSVP Program allows AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers to select when, where, and how they wish to serve. Their weekly commitments might range from a few hours to forty.
Chicago Cares
- https://www.chicagocares.org/s/
- Chicago Cares provides seniors with a broad selection of volunteer options so they can select projects that suit their interests and ability levels. There is something for everyone, from tutoring to environmental projects. Chicago Cares actively contributes to local rehabilitation efforts by building community partnerships in the city’s core areas on the South and West Sides. For retirees who value access and equity for Chicagoans, this is a fantastic option.
Advocate Christ Medical Center
- https://www.advocatehealth.com/about-us/volunteer-opportunities/assignment-opportunities
- Most hospitals offer volunteer opportunities in a variety of areas including baby cuddlers, hospice, and other critical roles that assist medical staff.
Greater Food Depository
- https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/get-involved/volunteer/
- The Food Depository has aimed to prioritize the needs of their neighbors for over 40 years. They collaborate to develop solutions that eradicate hunger and its underlying causes because we know that food is a basic human necessity. Volunteer roles include driver, food repackers, and staffing the Fresh Truck.
RUSH University Medical Center
- https://www.rush.edu/giving/about/volunteer
- RUSH Volunteer Services offers several nonclinical opportunities to make a difference for their patients and serve the West Side community.
If you’re looking for further information about opportunities in their area, you should get in contact with your local social services organization.
By volunteering, seniors can not only help others, but also see benefits themselves. Volunteering can improve physical and mental well-being, provide a sense of purpose, and connect an older adult to their community. It is important for a volunteer to find organizations and opportunities that align with their beliefs and will be fitting for their personal skill set. Whether on a regular basis, or just whenever possible, volunteering is a perfect way to spread kindness and experience the joys of giving back.
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Learning how volunteering benefits health is fascinating. It’s an excellent motivation to get involved. Thanks for sharing.