The Benefits of Volunteering in Senior Living Communities: How Residents and Non-Residents Can Give Back
ServingIntel
A leading provider of senior living technology solutions that streamline workflows and generate revenue.
Volunteering is a fulfilling way to give back to the community and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Seniors living in sustainable senior living communities can benefit significantly from volunteering, as it provides many advantages for their mental and physical health. This article will explore the benefits of volunteering for seniors living in sustainable communities and how residents and non-residents can give back to their communities.
Benefits of Volunteering for Seniors
Volunteering offers a range of benefits for seniors. Socialization is one of the primary benefits of volunteering, as it provides an opportunity to interact with others, make new friends, and strengthen existing relationships. A study conducted by AARP found that seniors who volunteer are more likely to be socially engaged and feel a greater sense of belonging in their community.
In addition to socialization, volunteering can also increase physical activity. Many volunteer opportunities involve physical activity such as walking, gardening, or cleaning, which can help seniors maintain their physical health and well-being. The National Council on Aging reports that physical activity can help prevent chronic diseases, improve balance and coordination, and enhance seniors' overall quality of life.
Mental stimulation is another benefit of volunteering, as it can help seniors stay mentally active and engaged. Volunteering provides opportunities for seniors to learn new skills, explore new interests, and challenge their minds in new ways. A study by Johns Hopkins University found that seniors who volunteer are less likely to experience cognitive decline than those who do not.
Volunteering can also give seniors a sense of purpose and contribute to their community. A study conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service found that seniors who volunteer have higher life satisfaction and lower rates of depression. Volunteering can also help seniors feel like they are positively impacting the world and leaving a lasting legacy.
Ways for Residents to Volunteer
Residents of senior living communities can volunteer in many ways to give back to their community. Helping with community events and activities is one-way residents can get involved. Senior living communities often have a range of events and activities for residents, and volunteering to help with these events can be a great way to give back to the community.
Mentoring other residents is another way for seniors living in senior living communities to give back. Many seniors living in senior living communities have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and mentoring other residents can be a great way to share this knowledge and help others.
Participating in resident councils is also an excellent way for seniors to get involved in the decision-making process in a senior living community and positively impact the community. In addition, resident councils provide a platform for residents to voice their opinions and advocate for changes that benefit the community.
Ways for Non-Residents to Give Back
Non-residents can also contribute to sustainable senior living communities in many ways. Donating to the community is one way to help support programs and services that rely on donations. For example, many senior living communities have programs that support seniors, such as meal delivery or transportation services, which rely on donations to operate.
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Volunteering at events is another way for non-residents to get involved and give back to their community. Many senior living communities hold events open to the public, and volunteering at these events can be a great way to get involved and make a positive impact.
Sharing skills and expertise is another way non-residents contribute to sustainable senior living communities. For example, non-residents could teach a cooking class or lead a fitness class, providing valuable knowledge and experience to the community.
Conclusion
Volunteering is an excellent way for seniors living in sustainable communities to give back to their community and reap the many benefits of volunteering. Whether you are a resident or a non-resident, there are many ways to get involved and positively impact the lives of others. In addition, volunteering provides an opportunity for seniors to stay active, engaged, and socially connected, all of which can contribute to better mental and physical health outcomes.
It is important to note that volunteering should always be a choice, and seniors should only participate in activities that they feel comfortable with and that align with their interests and abilities. Additionally, senior living communities should strive to create a supportive environment that encourages and facilitates volunteering. This includes providing opportunities for residents to get involved and recognizing and celebrating volunteers' contributions.
In conclusion, volunteering can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience for seniors living in sustainable senior living communities. By volunteering, seniors can make a positive impact on the lives of others while also reaping many benefits for their own mental and physical health. Whether you are a resident or a non-resident, there are many ways to get involved and give back to the community.
About the author:?Lance Bell is the CEO and founder of ServingIntel Inc, a technology company that provides transactional technology solutions to the senior living, hospital, and restaurant industries. ServingIntel's flagship product is the cloud-based 360 Point-of-Sale (POS) system that includes menu management, order management, business intelligence, and analytics features.
Before founding ServingIntel, Lance Bell worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years, gaining experience in various roles such as restaurant manager, operations manager, and owner/operator. Under Bell's leadership, ServingIntel has become a leading provider of technology solutions, serving clients in the United States and worldwide.
Sources:
"Volunteering and Civic Engagement Among Older Adults," AARP, 2017. "Physical Activity," National Council on Aging, accessed March 2023. "Volunteering and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: An Observational Cohort Study," BMC Public Health, 2013. "The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research," Corporation for National and Community Service, 2007.