Sense
of Achievement and Purpose
Ask anyone who volunteers and they will tell you that they
get much more out of it than those who benefit from their
services. Volunteering brings with it a great sense of achievement
and purpose. It helps you to lay your head down at night
knowing you made a difference in someone’s life. The
healthiest and happiest seniors are the ones who achieve
things and are motivated by a purpose larger than themselves.
Give back to Your Community
You’re never too old to give back to your community.
Seniors have a lot to offer their peers and their community.
Senior centers are often understaffed and in great need
of help. One senior volunteer can make a tremendous impact
on the center’s ability to serve its clients.
Combats Depression
Research shows that people who volunteer suffer from lower
rates of depression than those who do not. Volunteers are
people who look for ways to give to others and while doing
so receive. It’s hard to get depressed knowing that
your actions are making a difference in the people around
you.
Fun
Volunteering at your local senior center is just plain
fun! There are always different activities that you can
get involved with and have a great time while doing it.
Social Interaction and Friendship
For many younger people life is about accomplishments,
but as you get older you realize that making lasting meaningful
relationships is what it’s all about. Volunteering
is inherently social and you’ll make a lot of great
friends and meet a lot of people when you volunteer at your
local senior center.
Let’s take a look at some of the volunteering activities
available at a senior center:
Clubs:
College campuses and high schools aren’t the only
places where you can start a club. Starting a club based
on your favorite cause or activity is a great way to get
involved. Club ideas include:
· Religious
· Senior Advocacy
· Travel
· Environmental
· Sports
· Community Service
· Military
Activities:
Senior centers are always looking for people to be in charge
of an activity group. Activities keep the mind and body
sharp and are great ways to learn a new skill and have fun.
Some of the best senior activities include:
· Arts and crafts
· Technology
· Photography
· Science
· Literature
· Gardening
· Chess
· Foreign Languages
Counseling:
Seniors who have a background in counseling can be of great
assistance to their peers. Many times it is easier to share
problems with a peer. Seniors can provide group or individual
counseling for mental health issues or provide financial
counseling on topics such as health insurance, retirement,
and estate planning.
Dining Help:
This can be one of the largest areas of need at a senior
center. If you like working in the kitchen there are several
positions available including:
· Cook
· Dish Room Assistant
· Greeter
Home Care
Home care is a great way for seniors who can still drive
to visit their peers who may be home bound. Seniors can
help other seniors by visiting them in their homes and helping
out in the following ways:
· Light house work
· Companionship
· Personal care
· Transportation needs
· Shopping
· Paying bills
