Articles, activities for boomers & seniors
Celebrating Older Americans Month all older adults are encouraged to blaze a trail to civic engagement. Civic Engagement means working to make a difference in the lives of your community and its members. Community service and volunteering are common ways to refer to the act of helping others. No matter what you call it, older Americans are doing it, and in higher numbers than ever before.
Beyond helping the people around you, being involved in your community benefits you. From preventing mental health issues by engaging in meaningful activities to the physical benefits of being active and social, civic engagement is a WIN-WIN. It’s never too late to give back!
1 in 4 older Americans make a positive impact through volunteering.
THE BENEFITS:
Volunteering can lead to improved physical and mental health.
Older volunteers report greater life satisfaction than non-volunteers.
New relationships and making a difference provide a greater sense of purpose.
Research suggests that those who volunteer are more likely to live longer.
Pick an opportunity that fits your lifestyle and determine how much time you want to give. If you are a “snowbird” or like to travel maybe an assignment with more flexibility would suit you.
Find the right opportunity. Volunteering works best when you involve your interests and skills. If you are handy, a Habitat project may be most rewarding. If you enjoy working with kids, a local school may need Reading tutors. For ideas, visit www.RSVPofLNC.org or call 610-625-2290.
Want to try a variety of things before you make a decision. Check out Special Projects and Events at www.RSVPofLN.org. Contact us if you have trouble finding the right opportunity.
If you can only help when your schedule permits, think about driving neighbors to appointments, grocery shopping for someone who can’t get out to shop for themselves, visiting with an isolated neighbor, serving as an Ombudsman, getting involved with our Cyber Seniors project.