Volunteering is a rewarding endeavor at any age. That being said, it’s also a type of involvement that can be especially beneficial for older adults. If you’re caring for a senior loved one, take a moment to learn why you should consider encouraging him or her to find a way to volunteer.
Creates a Sense of Purpose
Seniors often have more free time during the golden years. While this may seem like a good thing, some older adults have difficulty transitioning to a less structured way of life. One way to gain a sense of purpose again is with volunteering. Schools, churches, libraries, hospitals, and community centers are some of many places that typically welcome volunteers.
To be able to volunteer, older adults need to maintain their overall health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional Home Care Philadelphia, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Boosts Mood and Reduces Loneliness
Interacting with others on a regular basis while doing something beneficial for them at the same time can be personally rewarding for seniors. Volunteering can also combat loneliness and prevent serious depression, which affects more than 6 million seniors in the U.S. alone, from setting in.
Minimizes Stress-Related Health Issues
The “feel-good” benefits associated with volunteering can reduce stress and anxiety in seniors. When this happens, older adults may be less likely to develop stress-related health issues such as:
• Diabetes
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Asthma and similar respiratory conditions
• Certain forms of dementia
Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Philadelphia seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Home Care Assistance.
Gives Seniors an Opportunity to Try New Things
With volunteering, there are many tasks that often need to be done. However, many of these tasks are fairly simple or easy to learn with some training or guidance. For instance, if your loved one volunteers at a local animal shelter, he or she may learn how to bake treats that are safe for dogs to eat.
Makes It Easier to Form Social Connections
Volunteering, by nature, provides plenty of opportunities to interact with many different individuals from all walks of life, which can be a great way for older adults to make new friends or regularly have people to interact with who appreciate their efforts.
Allows Older Adults to Be Remembered
Another reason older adults should volunteer is because of the potential to enhance their legacy. It’s often the little things in life—like regularly doing kind things for others who appreciate the effort—that can make a big difference when it comes to how someone is remembered.
Offers Flexibility
Seniors don’t need to be in perfect shape physically to volunteer. From sitting at a desk to greet visitors to doing work while seated at a table, there are many ways older adults with physical limitations can perform tasks. Plus, other volunteers or staff members are often more than willing to lend a hand to senior helpers. Hours are often flexible as well.
Provides Enjoyable Activity
When older adults find a way to volunteer that’s in line with their interests, they’ll likely find it to be something they consider fun and enjoyable. For example, if your loved one volunteers a few days a week at a local library to read stories to children, he or she will likely look forward to doing this.
Whether your loved one needs transportation or assistance with tasks like bathing or grooming so he or she can volunteer, a trusted at-home caregiver can help. Elderly care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. Reach out to us today at (215) 645-4663 to learn more.