Benefits of Volunteering for Seniors

April is volunteer recognition month.  Searching for meaning and purpose?  Volunteer!

There are tons of non-profit organizations in need of help.  By helping others, you can also help yourself.  Research shows that people who volunteer gain physical and psychological health benefits.   (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5504679/#CR1).

Most people who volunteer do not do it for the recognition.  Volunteering is often a work of heart.  Something that is enjoyed by those doing it.  A way to give back to society.  For some, it is how they obtain joy. Isolation can lead to loneliness, especially for seniors.  Volunteering offers a way to stay socially engaged.

As mentioned above, there are lots of ways that people can volunteer. You can start by:

• Creating something handmade and give it away.
• Bringing your pet to visit someone in an assisted living or nursing home.
• Adopting a classroom and read to young learners.
• Serving at your place of worship.
• Helping transport patients at your local hospital.
• Making a meal for someone you know who is ill.
• Helping teach classes to new English learners.

Here is a list of non-profit organizations that need your help:

• Habitat for Humanity
• Feed My Starving Children
• Salvation Army
• Red Cross
• Meals on Wheels
• United Way
• People Serving People Inc.
• Bridging MN

Volunteering gives the opportunity to bless others and in return you will be blessed.  “Not all of us can do great things.  But we can do small things with great love.”– Mother Teresa.