Volunteering is good for the spirit at any age, but it can be especially important for aging seniors to help them keep active and social. As caregivers, here are some ideas to share with your loved ones on how to give back to their community, find new friendships or renew interests.
Investing Your Time
“For generations, seniors have been making a powerful impact in their communities, and their service is more important now than ever,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “With so many people in need, senior volunteers are making a difference in the lives of children, veterans, elderly and disaster survivors.”
So where does a senior start when looking to invest some time into volunteering? Local chapters of national organizations are a safe bet. Often, these organizations have set programming with a wide variety of events and jobs that allow volunteers to find something enjoyable that best suits their interests and the needs of the community.
The Lake County chapter of the Council on Aging has programs such as Meals on Wheels, which needs volunteers to pack and/or deliver hot meals to homebound clients.
HandsOn Northeast Ohio is a Cleveland-based nonprofit group that hosts National Days of Service and puts volunteers in touch with projects that help local organizations.
The United Way of Summit County is an affiliate of the HandsOn network and provides volunteer events and opportunities throughout the year. In fact, many chapters host The United Way Day of Action — a popular regional event with a full day of building, painting, cooking or other work activities that help the community.
Another option is the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Many area counties help provide chapters of this national program, which has available volunteer opportunities for adults age 55 and older.
“(RSVP helps) find the ideal match for their talents, energy, and desires for helping others and the community,” according to RSVP/Lake County’s website.
Options With AARP
The AARP Foundation supports local organizations and programs by coordinating efforts to fill in the gaps and help effective initiatives grow.
The group’s online “Volunteer Wizard” tool allows a person to fill in his or her interests and preferences in order to match them with volunteer opportunities.
Through AARP’s Senior Corps programming, the group has created several programs that raise awareness, as well as provide opportunities to work with either children or adults.
Senior Corps programming offers the chance for those 55 and older to involve themselves in mentor programs, coaching or as companions. Among the Senior Corps programs are Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions.
Foster Grandparents is a great opportunity to mentor young mothers or children help troubled teenagers, or help infants or children with disabilities. Participants typically serve anywhere from 15 to 40 hours per week and will receive training and orientation prior to volunteering.
The Senior Companions program allows volunteers the chance to work 15 to 40 hours per week with adult clients in order to help them live independently in their own home.
These volunteers allow caregivers, family members or friends the time to run errands while their loved ones are in good hands, and often provide friendship in the process.
Whether it’s with a local group or a nationwide organization, for several hours a week or just a handful, volunteering is rewarding for those who participate and beneficial to those in their care.
