Why You Should Volunteer as a Senior

Part of the beauty of retirement is being in control of your time. Before, you answered to a boss. You got up, got ready, and headed to your workplace. Weekends were more for catching up on errands and chores than for relaxation. For those that loved their careers and tried hard to maintain a work-life balance, things may seem off after retirement. You might enjoy your extra time, but you can also feel frustrated that you have too much time on your hands. What should you do to keep busy and remain active? Volunteering encourages you to give of your time and skills for the benefit of others. A professional home care worker can help you stay healthy through their many services so that you can volunteer and reap the benefits.

6 Reasons Why Senior Citizens Should Volunteer

Many seniors find their resources and social network reduced dramatically after retirement. Volunteering is an excellent way to make new friends outside of immediate family members. Here are a few reasons why you should consider ‘breaking’ retirement and get involved as a volunteer:

1. You remain socially active. As humans, we need meaningful engagement. Volunteering offers you many opportunities to reengage with others and develop lasting relationships. Many seniors will experience depression, chronic stress, or other health conditions without the social interaction, and volunteering is an effective way to avoid that.
2. You feel good about sharing your skills and knowledge with younger generations. One way to leave a legacy is to share your wisdom with young people. You have the opportunity to mentor others and give them a leg up in the world.
3. You keep active. One way to stave off aches and pains is to remain physically active. You may find that your volunteer position requires some movement, such as carrying donated goods or cleaning up a community park, or even assisting instructors in an exercise class for seniors.
4. Your mind remains engaged. Cognitive decline is a real dilemma for the aging population. One way to combat brain fog and memory lapses is to keep your mind engaged. Volunteering work means you have to use your brain like you would at your workplace. That’s a great thing to keep your mind fit.
5. You maintain a positive outlook. Remaining at home alone can leave you isolated, which affects your mental health. Often seniors become depressed. The mental stimulation from volunteering helps you keep a positive outlook on life.
6. You gain a sense of belonging. Connection is paramount to all of us, especially seniors. Working with others toward a common goal makes all involved feel like they belong. This sense of belonging increases your ability to make new friends of all ages.

Volunteer as You Age in Place

Enjoy life fully by seeking volunteer opportunities. You will find that your whole demeanour changes as you reengage with life, build new connections, and share your experience with others. For additional support in your new adventures, turn to the team at Home Instead Kitchener-Waterloo, ON. Our professional caregivers strive to provide you with the extra support you may need to ensure you live life on your own terms. Whether you need a little help with cooking nutritious meals, some light housekeeping, or companionship, we have you covered.