Neighbors Care Alliance
Volunteering Makes a Difference for YOU and YOUR Community!
By Mary O’Donoghue , Volunteer Services Coordinator Are you setting new goals for your new year? If so, you may consider adding volunteering to your list! The experience may benefit you and your community! There are “9 Benefits of Volunteering for Older Adults,” according to an article by Vantage Aging (https://vantageaging. org/blog/benefits-older-adults-gain- volunteering/). The article states that volunteering not only strengthens communities, but it benefits the older adult serving in the following ways: 1. It’s good for your mental health Volunteering keeps the brain active, which contributes to mental health. Meaningful and productive activities can help you feel happier and have a positive outlook on life. 2. It prevents loneliness and isolation The feeling of loneliness and few interactions with others can negatively impact a person’s health. Getting out into the community and volunteering promotes socialization. 3. It gives you a feeling of purpose As we grow older, our sense of purpose might begin to fade. Regaining a feeling of purpose through volunteering can help older adults feel recharged with a new zest for life. 4. It helps you meet new friends Volunteering is a great way to meet new people with common interests. By working together towards the same mission, you can build friendships with like-minded peers who are finding creative solutions in your community.
5. It gives you and a loved one a way to reconnect Volunteering is a great way to reconnect and strengthen your relationships. Together, you can learn, help others, and make meaningful memories to share with family members and friends. 6. Volunteering for older adults increases physical activity Volunteering keeps you moving, whether you are serving meals at a shelter, helping to clean up your local parks, or walking around the neighborhood with someone as a companion. 7. It bridges the generation gap By interacting with younger generations, older adults are able to share important life lessons. On the other hand, younger generations can teach seniors new ways of looking at life. By building a connection with each other, both generations can offer respect and affirmation. 8. It helps you engage with old interests Do you have an old hobby that has slipped to the wayside? Put your interests to good use by finding a volunteer activity that includes something that you used to enjoy. 9. It helps you learn new skills Many volunteer activities allow you to try things you’ve never done before and learn new skills. Take a look at opportunities that are a little outside of your comfort zone. So, this year, get out there and make a difference for YOU and YOUR community!
If you are interested in volunteering in your community, check out the list of Neighbors Care Alliance Programs listed on the following page or contact Mary O’Donoghue, Volunteer Services Coordinator at (520) 258-5062 or email at modonoghue@pcoa.org.
PCOA has volunteer opportunities for you to explore! • Medicare Counselor • Personal Budgeting Assistance (PBA) • Property Tax Credit (PTC) • Long-Term Care Ombudsman • Caregiver Support Group
• Healthy Living • Memory Café
Visit Volunteer – Pima Council on Aging (pcoa.org) to learn more! Source: blog/article – Advantage Aging
Page 30 | February 2023, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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