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VOLUNTEERVOICE
FALL 2017 • PALATINE PARK DISTRICT
Gratefully acknowledging the many individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and energy to making a difference in our community. VOLUNTEERING FOR RETIREES
Retirees, Pay It Forward–The Benefits of Volunteering Excerpts from USA Today article, December 23, 2014
In addition to providing valuable services to individuals and communities, older volunteers are also living active lives through volunteering. A growing body of research shows an association between volunteering and mental and physical health benefits. Research shows that people who volunteer report lower mortality rates, lower rates of depression, fewer physical limitations, and lower levels of stress than those who don’t volunteer, says Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that administers Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and other programs. “The health benefits are huge.” Data from the agency found that more than 20 million older adults — more than a quarter of those 55 and older — contributed on average more than 3 billion hours of service in their communities per year from 2011 to 2013. The value of this service is estimated at $75 billion. Deborah Moore Jaquith of AARP’s Experience Corps, a national program that provides volunteer reading tutors to children in the younger grades, says the group’s annual survey found that “97% of our volunteers indicated that the work gives them a sense of life purpose.” • Look for activities that fit into your schedule. Many retirees need to find activities that are flexible enough they have time for the other things that are really important to them. For some people volunteering about 20 hours a week still leaves plenty of time for the other things they want to do in retirement, she says. Sources: Corporation for National and Community Service, USA Today
• Find an activity you’re passionate about. Like kids? Volunteer to help children. Care about the environment? Spend time planting/gardening at your local parks. Like to keep physically active? Help out at a community race/event. Volunteering works best if you choose an area you love. • “Some people have sat behind a desk all their life, and want to work with their hands in retirement,” Spencer says. “What’s beautiful about volunteering is that when you do find your niche, it can be the most satisfying experience. It can be your new purpose in life if it’s the right activity. You feel recognized and appreciated.” • Ask a friend to volunteer with you. People are more likely to get involved in non-profit organizations and charities if they have someone to do it with them, Spencer says. “There is something intimidating about walking into a new activity. They don’t know what they are going to walk into.” So find a neighbor or friend who is alone and take them with you. • Tell others about ways they can help. Some folks don’t get involved until they are asked, she says. “Many retirees are focused on their grandchildren, hobbies, fixing up their home, and possibly traveling, and they stay in that world until they are asked. The good news is when people are asked to volunteer, they typically do,” she says. • For example, there is a group of retired men in Denver who build entrance ramps into homes for people who need them. The group got started because one day the men were sitting together in a coffee shop, and someone came and asked them to help do this, Spencer says. • Realize it’s never too late to get started. One foster grandparent volunteer in Washington, D.C., started at age 80 and is still going strong 25 years later at 105, Spencer says.