Retirement is a milestone that every working adult strives for. They think about it, count down the days, months and years, and make plans to do what brings them joy. While it’s exciting to plan for, when it happens, it can also be unnerving. After years of answering to early alarm clocks and calendars filled with meetings, many find themselves asking…now what? Consider reframing retirement living as a time of opportunity to restructure those calendars with more time with family and friends, travel or caretaking. It’s a time to redefine one’s purpose.
April is National Volunteer Month. At Country Meadows, we take the celebration a step further with our own Practice Random Acts of Kindness Month. Both occasions highlight the importance of using time and talents to do good for others and encourage people to make it their purpose to better the world around them. Volunteering or strategizing your next act of kindness is much more than passing time; it is a way to meet like-minded people, make a difference in someone else’s life-even if you never get to meet them-and improve yourself in the process.
Whether it is helping a cause that you are passionate about or using your skills to help others, giving back during retirement living creates a renewed sense of purpose. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, those age 65 and older are two-to-three times more likely to volunteer than younger adults and more likely to give their spare time to causes unrelated to work or family. It’s more than “filling time;” volunteering can lead to improved mental and physical health, increased happiness, sense of belonging and an impact on future generations.
Health
Research shows that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for people 65 and older. According to a Mayo Clinic article, volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings, all decreasing the risk of heart diseases, depression and general illness. Additionally, many volunteer activities promote physical activity, such as working a community garden, working with shelter pets or walking in a charity fundraiser.
Happiness
“The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.” – Helen Keller
With purpose in retirement living comes a sense of direction and, therefore, a pathway to joy. Being able to spend time doing what you love and impacting the lives of others boosts happiness. Seniors have said they experience greater life satisfaction and self-esteem as a volunteer. Additionally, volunteering opens the door to learning new skills from new people-important for people who are looking to continuously improve.
Belonging
When generations come together for activities both the young and the young-at-heart are learning from each other. Volunteer opportunities such as reading with school-age children or doing arts and crafts projects are great places to start. At Country Meadows Retirement Community, many residents are part of pen-pal programs with local elementary schools in which they exchange letters monthly with students and get together throughout the school year for activities. When seniors share advice through lived-experience or children gift seniors with their innocent smile, heartwarming moments are fueling the soul.
Ways to volunteer in retirement living
Consider starting your volunteer journey with one of the 51 Random Acts of Kindness Toward Seniors or connect with local organizations that will help you find a perfect volunteer match for your skills and interest.
If you want to learn more about volunteering during retirement living, or more about any of the Country Meadows locations or services, please contact us.
