With the holiday season upon us, it’s time to reflect on the year that has gone by. Holidays are usually a time to spend with friends and family. But the season is also a time to give back to others. Volunteering gives seniors purpose and many other benefits. This post discusses why seniors should consider volunteering this holiday season.
Increases Socialization
Isolation is common for many seniors. But volunteering combats it by increasing socialization. The benefits of increased socialization show themselves quicker than you might think. Seniors may experience improved brain function and a better functioning immune system. Their risk for anxiety and depression may lessen as well.
Builds Community
It’s easy for anyone to simply stay within their neighborhood and within their own circle of friends and neighbors. Volunteering help to expand an existing social network and strengthen the surrounding community. Seniors can create new and lasting friendships with people they are helping, as well as fellow volunteers.
Increases Fun and Life Fulfillment
Volunteering is one way to explore interests and passions. It can be an opportunity to escape from the day-to-day routine of life. Being a volunteer for an organization offers renewed motivation, vision, and creativity that might otherwise get lost in the daily grind of life. Plus, volunteering is fun.
Helps Increase Emotional Responsibility
Mental health is important, and it turns out that giving back helps improve some conditions. This includes depression, PTSD, OCD, and low self-esteem. Volunteering helps give others a purpose in life and connects them to other people.
Promotes Overall Better Health and Happiness
Volunteering is good for physical health too. People who volunteer over long-term periods of time are shown to live longer, have better health overall, and experience less disease. In studies involving measuring hormones and brain activity, researchers found that volunteering evokes feelings of immense pleasure. The more people give, the happier they feel.
If you would like to give the gift of companionship to a senior in Newport Beach or Orange County, CA, reach out to Optimal Senior Care Solutions. Our staff of care experts will be happy to assist you.
