While studies have documented the value
of volunteering for all segments of the population, seniors
especially can reap tremendous benefits in their own lives
by reaching out and giving to others. Volunteering makes
you feel good, but it can also improve your health.
We know that people who are connected to
others through social networks and support systems experience
better general health than those who are isolated. Volunteering
helps us to make new contacts, build friendships and become
part of the social fabric around us, in short, to feel part
of a greater community. Staying connected to others is one
of the keys in fighting depression and promoting healthy
aging.
Volunteering contributes to self-esteem,
an important link to our own sense of well-being and health.
In fact, studies have shown the unmistakable physical connection
between volunteering and enhanced health, due to increased
levels of endorphins. These brain chemicals can lower blood
pressure and relieve pain and stress, much like a good physical
workout can.
The mental health benefits gained through
helping others are just as important as the physical gains.
Spending time mentoring a child, delivering meals to the
homebound, or assisting in the local library can provide
elders with a sense of purpose and involvement. Furthermore,
keeping an active schedule and interacting with others helps
seniors to maintain their own intellectual abilities.
What can you give? Too often we undervalue our own strengths
and talents. Barbara Bush referred to this when she explained,
"Some people give time, some money, some their skills
and connections, some literally give their life's blood.
But everybody has something to give."
Knowing how to get started is the first
step on the road to giving. April 21-27 is National Volunteer
Week. National, state and local organizations will welcome
your interest in the many opportunities they offer for helping
others, from reading with school children to working with
prison inmates or doing genealogical research for local
historical societies.
Are you a senior who is interested in
giving time to others? In Vermont the offices of RSVP
(Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) actively recruit
volunteers for area programs where you can make a difference.
Through the RSVP newsletter and their regular press releases
in regional newspapers you can learn more about such local
volunteering opportunities as the Summer Family Literacy
Project, the Thresholds and Decisions Program of the Vermont
Department of Corrections, Windsor County Reads, the Let's
Do Lunch Mentoring Program, and the Vermont Ombudsman Project
that monitors nursing home care to elders in residence.
If you are considering being a volunteer,
here are some tips:
· Look for causes or issues that are important to
you.
· Consider the skills you have to offer.
· Think about volunteering with a friend or family
member.
· Would you like to learn something new through your
volunteer activity?
· Bring enthusiasm and a sense of humor to your volunteer
service.
The choices are endless and the opportunities
to make a difference in someone else's life are great. In
doing so, you just might improve and prolong your own.
Organizations to contact for volunteer
opportunities:
· RSVP, Springfield, VT (885-2083)
. RSVP, Windham County (257-7622)
· Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont, Springfield,
VT (800-642-5119)
· Adult Day Programs: Brattleboro (254-6559); Springfield
(885-9881)
· Community Cares Network, Chester (875-6341)
· Grafton Cares (869-1254)
· Putney Cares (387-5593)
· Westminster Cares (722-3607)
· Your local Senior Center
· Senior Companion Program, Springfield and through
out the region (885-5213)
· Volunteers in Action, Windsor (674-5971)
For a list of inspiring quotes on the Web
about helping and making a difference, go to www.quotegarden.com
