April Celebrates Earth Day, Volunteers and Spring!!
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A p r il 2014
Senior Review
A Senior Magazine for Living a Healthier, Smarter and More Active Life in Wausau
Doing Good Feels Good and is Good for You!
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hroughout our local communities and across the country, older adults are increasingly using their talents, skills and experiences to make a real difference through their volunteer service. In fact, older adults comprise a large part of the volunteer work force of many nonprofit agencies. As volunteers do good by helping others and helping build a better community, they are also doing good for themselves. In fact, volunteering as part of a plan for good health is being recommended by more and more physicians to their older adult patients. In the past two decades research has shown that volunteering has many proven health benefits. A report by the Corporation for National and Community Service, The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research shows that volunteers have “greater longevity, higher functional ability, lower rates of
depression and less incidence of heart disease.” Those who volunteer report an increased sense of accomplishment and purpose in their lives. Studies have shown that volunteers over age 60 reported lower disability and higher levels of well-being compared to non-volunteers. The studies repeatedly found that volunteering leads to improved physical and mental health. In fact, it only takes about 100 hours per year, or about two hours a week to enjoy significant health
benefits of volunteering. The data has also shown that older adults reap the greatest health benefits. This is attributed to the sense of purpose and social role which volunteering provides. For individuals over 70 who volunteer 100 hours a year, the data shows less decline in health and functioning levels, less depression and increased longevity. So while your giving of your time and talents to help others, you’re also helping to improve your own health. United Way RSVP of Marathon County is a free volunteer service for adults 55 and older who are interested in either getting started or already are volunteering. RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) is a nationwide program that provides personalized help matching individual talents, skills and experience with critical community needs. This free program makes it easy and convenient for older adults to
get connected with a volunteer experience that is a good fit for them. In addition to the personalized placement service, RSVP provides additional benefits that support the volunteer experience such as accidental medical coverage, auto and volunteer liability insurance, and optional mileage reimbursement are some of the helpful benefits RSVP members receive. In addition RSVP members enjoy monthly coffee hours, educational programs and social events to enjoy if they choose. In 2013, 275 United Way RSVP members provided over 33,000 hours of volunteer service doing 81 different jobs to help 43 nonprofit agencies within Marathon County. For more information on United Way RSVP of Marathon County, contact Tony Omernik, at United Way RSVP of Marathon County by calling: 715-298-5721 or email: tomernik@unitedwaymc.org. Senior Review | 1