Did you know that volunteer opportunities are a unique way to relieve stress and boost self-confidence? Doing something for other people leaves us with strong positive feelings and can even help prevent mental health problems like depression.
As a senior, it may feel like your volunteer roles have diminished. We're here today to show you that your opportunities are as varied and exciting as when you were younger.
Listed below are some of our favorite volunteer opportunities that can make a positive impact on your community and your well-being. Keep reading to learn more!
Among all of the senior volunteer programs, none are as well known as the act of fundraising. The best part about fundraising is that you can cater the program to suit your ideals, religion, or heritage.
Many organizations in the country could make a lot of use out of extra money. Every small contribution can make a difference to the Zanesville area. Simple ways to raise funds include:
Whether you sell cookies or simply ask for kind donations, fundraising is a concrete way to make a change in your local community.
Sprucing up the garden in your community will do more than make the walkways look beautiful again. It also offers lasting benefits to you at the same time.
It can be easy to find new spots to turn into colorful paradises. Ask local store owners if you can add greenery to their storefronts or ask a nearby library if you can clean up their grounds.
Most people will be more than happy to accept, especially if you state that you're doing it as a community service for elderly activity.
Plus, in a month or two, it'll be a fun adventure to walk through the area and see the fruits of your labor. You could have a direct hand in making your community look better than ever before.
Do you want to do more with the younger generation but aren't sure how to start? Foster organizations can help connect you with a younger person who needs a role model in their life.
You'll make a difference in their life while also getting to learn from a new perspective. You can share your favorite activities and try some new ones in return.
Since you won't spend 24/7 as a mentor, these programs allow you to keep up with your regular day-to-day schedule while still introducing something new and exciting.
These children and teens blossom under the guidance of a little attention and care. You could be the difference-maker in their life that can help direct them onto the right path to success in their life.
Many people believe that they can't help tutor someone because they're 'not smart enough' or that they lack certain qualifications. The truth is that many available avenues for tutoring only require you to be willing to help.
For example, you could tutor someone who is learning English. You don't need to know the meaning of an adjective to help them practice the language.
You can converse with them and gently correct mistakes they make during the discussion. Answer questions they have about the language and its commonplace usage.
This will help them learn faster and also give them social opportunities they might not have access to otherwise. It's also beneficial for you since it can help keep your cognitive functions firing at full strength while you puzzle out these questions together.
If you prefer to stay close to your senior living area, volunteering for seniors doesn't always have to mean venturing far out of your way.
With a steady internet connection and a laptop with a microphone, you could tutor someone virtually without needing to leave the comfort of your apartment. This not only expands the number of people you could help, but it also gives you extra tutoring freedom.
Staying active in retirement can improve your physical and mental well-being, but it's not always an easy task. Spending energy to stay active can leave you feeling drained at the end of the day if you're not careful.
Dog walking gives you a reason to put on your shoes and head outside while also giving you the payoff of helping a dog live its best life. Sometimes, all it takes is a little push to make walking a full part of your life.
It's a rewarding and simple activity that aids both you and the dog in staying healthy. You'll also get the chance to make new friends, both with the dog itself and with other potential dog walkers. Building stronger relationships with other people can make an active lifestyle even more enjoyable.
Things such as knitting and baking are fun activities, but what if you could make them more impactful? If you add the idea of donating into the mix, you'll turn those hobbies into meaningful senior activities that better the world around you.
Gather your fellow senior knitters or crocheters and create several warm garments to donate to the local shelter before winter hits. You could bake some scrumptious treats for a doctor's office or a school. Other items could include:
This style of volunteering can give you a sense of accomplishment without tying you down to specific dates of activity. You can work on your donations at your convenience and then donate them once completed.
It's the best of both worlds when you feel like social energy is in short supply, but you still want to do some good for your community.
Finding volunteer opportunities isn't the most difficult part of the process. The key to volunteering safely is to join a senior community that supports your ideals and helps make your goals a reality.
Clay Gardens Place Assisted Living encourages its residents to volunteer as much as they are able. We work with you to coordinate a personalized care plan that won't hinder your independence or safety. Contact us today so we can help ease your Zanesville senior living concerns!