Volunteering doesn't just benefit the organizations or individuals receiving your time — science shows it's good for you, too. Research demonstrates that seniors who volunteer report improved well-being, regardless of the type of organization or how others perceive their activities. The more hours you volunteer, the greater the benefits (although it's important to listen to your body and avoid taking on more than you can manage).
It's thought volunteering helps older adults stay more physically, socially and mentally active than their non-volunteer peers. Therefore, people who volunteer are less likely to experience depression or functional impairments.
Research also shows that volunteering helps people feel more purposeful and fulfilled as they age. Some evidence even demonstrates reduced mortality rates in older adults who volunteer for more than 100 hours per year, making voluntary work a potentially healthy ingredient in a vibrant lifestyle.
If you're thinking about volunteering for the first time, picking the right organization and opportunity can feel daunting. Considering which skills and abilities you bring to the table and what you want to get out of your volunteering experience can help you find the right fit for a mutually beneficial relationship. Here are a few factors to think about.
Some organizations prefer volunteers to commit to a long-term schedule, while others are happy for people to donate their time and skills on a one-off or ad-hoc basis. Therefore, it's wise to consider your short-term and long-term plans to find a role that suits your availability.
If you enjoy a busy schedule of activities in your assisted living community, an organization requiring ad-hoc volunteers may suit your lifestyle better. Meanwhile, a more structured, long-term role may be a better fit if you have more time on your hands and want to expand your social circle while helping others.
It's important to consider whether you're willing to travel as part of your volunteering role. Organizations that want volunteers to commute to other locations could be a great fit if you're a travel enthusiast, while more local opportunities in Ellisville could integrate better with a busy schedule.
Online volunteering roles may be ideal if you have mobility issues or want to minimize time on the road. Many organizations welcome volunteers providing services over the internet, allowing you to share your skills from the comfort of your assisted living apartment.
Volunteering is a great way to share skills learned during your working or family life, and some roles suit some people more than others. If you have experience in a specific industry, such as marketing or finance, volunteering in these areas enables you to continue using these attributes in retirement.
Alternatively, you may offer in-demand soft skills, such as communication and listening. Seniors with good people skills may thrive volunteering for public-facing organizations.
When considering different opportunities, remember to consider what types of tasks you enjoy. Choosing enjoyable work can help you get the most out of your volunteering experience and make a positive impact on the organizations you help.
From schools to federal agencies, a wealth of organizations regularly recruit volunteers to support worthwhile projects in and around Ellisville. To get you started on your search, consider looking for volunteer roles through the following sites and agencies.
If you enjoy working with children, volunteering at an elementary school is a great way to positively impact the next generation. As a school volunteer, you could work with individual children to help them with their reading or math skills, provide classroom support for teachers or help with administrative tasks. You can find school volunteering opportunities by contacting Ellisville schools and inquiring about upcoming vacancies.
Volunteering with a local faith group allows you to share your faith with others while supporting the missions of nearby churches. Many churches welcome volunteers, such as Pathfinder Church in Ellisville. The church regularly posts volunteer opportunities to suit a range of skills and schedules, including roles in the community's cafe, ministry offices and classrooms.
Volunteer.gov is the ideal place to find volunteering opportunities with federal agencies, including numerous virtual roles. These virtual volunteer positions let you support the work of various organizations wherever you are, including from your assisted living apartment. The opportunities that are available depend on changing organizational needs, but the job board often features online roles for transcribers, archivists and researchers.
