During your silver years, you might be looking for meaningful things to do besides catching up with family and friends. One such activity is volunteering. However, many seniors hesitate to volunteer because they might think that it is physically and/or emotionally challenging [1]. These concerns can be easily addressed because volunteers can provide help on their own terms. Everyone, including seniors, can give back to the community. There are many benefits for seniors when they volunteer.
THREE BENEFITS OF SENIOR VOLUNTEERISM
Improved mental health: Volunteer work can help seniors reduce their chances of developing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, especially for those who live alone. Volunteering encourages dopamine production which improves your mood significantly [2].
Better physical health: There are plenty of opportunities to move around without putting too much strain on your body. Activities such as meal packing and making food deliveries are some ways you can get active. This in turn keeps you fit, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart disease or stroke [2].
Stronger sense of purpose: Compared to those who do not volunteer, seniors who actively give back to their community feel more accomplished and have a stronger sense of purpose [3]. Being proactive also improves your self-worth and motivates you to continue making positive change.
Looking at the number of benefits that volunteering has to offer, you might be wondering where to start your volunteering journey. Here are some opportunities for your consideration.
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SENIORS
JOURNEY Fulfilment Centre Helpers: Do you enjoy packing, and sorting items? As a Fulfilment Centre Helper, you can help in quality checks, sorting and packing of JOURNEY merchandise ahead of delivery. JOURNEY is a brand under TOUCH Community Services that represents the creative talents of people with intellectual disabilities. Through this platform, the artwork of artists with special needs from TOUCH are recognised. Find out more
here.
Befriend a senior: Make friends and bring joy to the lives of other seniors around you! A befriender provides social support to the seniors by accompanying them for medical appointments and fostering friendship in the process. Find out more
here.
Do not let this opportunity pass you by. Start your volunteering journey today:
https://www.touch.org.sg/getinvolved/volunteer
For enquiries on volunteering with TOUCH, please email us at
[email protected].
Sources
1. Empowering Seniors through Volunteerism. National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre, 14 Sept. 2019, https://cityofgood.sg/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IGS-2018-Silver-V-Study.pdf.
2. “The Health Benefits of Volunteering.” UMMS Health, University of Maryland Medical System, 15 July 2022, https://health.umms.org/2022/03/14/benefits-of-volunteering/.
3. “Senior Volunteerism: Where Priorities and Purpose Converge.” City of Good, National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre, 26 Oct. 2020, https://cityofgood.sg/newsroom/senior-volunteerism-where-priorities-and-purpose-converge/