Volunteering Supports Healthy Ageing

April 18 - 24 is National Volunteer Week

In these tough economic times, the budgets of service organizations must stretch farther than ever. Charitable donations are down, and there is less money in the public coffers for social services and education. So it's not surprising that Canada's social service agencies, community groups, non-profit organizations, schools and cultural organizations all report that they now rely more than ever on volunteers to help their programs succeed.

"National Volunteer Week pays tribute to the 12 million Canadians who donate their time and energy to better the lives of others," said Ruth MacKenzie, president of Volunteer Canada. "During times of economic uncertainty, we must not forget the role of Canada's volunteers and volunteer-involving organizations." Yet just as the need for volunteers is growing, many organizations report that their pool of volunteers is smaller as people are spending more time looking for work, some even taking second jobs to make ends meet.

Seniors Are Stepping Up

The good news is, help is arriving from an increased cadre of senior volunteers, many of them baby boomers who are now reaching retirement age. According to Volunteer Canada, baby boomers who are currently in their 50s volunteer at a higher rate than earlier generations did at that age, and there is no reason to think the trend will change. And though many boomers are expected to retire at a later age—for financial reasons and the personal satisfaction of their worklife—they are also likely to change the face of retirement by shifting to work with a smaller financial reward, but with more flexibility, and a greater sense of giving back.

Boomers aren't the only seniors who are taking on this challenge. Seniors of every age—even Centenarians—are finding ways to put their talents to good use. Family caregivers and their loved ones are even volunteering together, spending rewarding hours while helping out a favourite cause. So no matter what your age and abilities, consider the many rewards and benefits of volunteering.

The Benefits Work Both Ways

Volunteers know that public service can be an important part of later life, and a major boost to healthy ageing in several ways. Serving as a volunteer offers:

Continued Sense of Purpose. Did you know that gerontologists cite depression as one of the greatest health challenges faced by seniors? While it's a sure bet that some rest and relaxation are on your retirement "to do" list, many retirees are surprised to discover that leaving work creates a "vocation gap" in later years. "After the initial flurry of golf games and sleeping in," said one former Air Command colonel, "I realized how much my self-image was tied up with my job." Volunteer service can produce a profound sense of achievement—often well beyond what our paid work offered. 

Enhanced Satisfaction with Our Life's Legacy. One of our basic emotional "tasks" as we enter our older years is life review—taking stock of what we have accomplished, and seeking reassurance that the path we have taken through our world has made it a better place. No matter what your religious or philosophical beliefs, chances are good that you have gained the perspective to know that our families, communities, nation, human race and planet can only thrive if we work together. By offering a daily reminder that we can make a difference, volunteer service encourages an enhanced sense of satisfaction and well-being.

Healthier Body. Staying physically active is a major component of healthy ageing—and retirement itself can lead to inactivity, offering the temptation to develop "couch potato" habits. The U.S. Corporation for National and Community Service released a report, The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research, which showed that volunteers have greater longevity and less incidence of heart disease. "This is good news for people who volunteer," said Robert Grimm, Director of the Corporation's Office of Research and Policy Development. "Just two hours of volunteering a week can bring meaningful benefits.”

Healthier Mind. Brain researchers know that novelty—trying something new, thinking outside the box—builds new connections in the ageing brain. In 2009, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health released the results of a study that used MRI imaging of seniors' brains to show that volunteering promotes cognitive health. According to the study, volunteer service "can help older adults delay or reverse declining brain function."

Greater Social Connectedness. Many seniors report a feeling of isolation—and did you know that current research demonstrates that spending time with others is as important as physical activity? One researcher tells us, "Loneliness undermines health and can be as detrimental as smoking." Serving as a volunteer helps fill this vital role for many seniors: it provides a context for human contact, for connecting with others in a sense of community and belonging.

Volunteering can be an important part of healthy ageing—a way to keep your skills sharp and your mind challenged, while giving back to the community and the world. The need for volunteers has never been greater. Fortunately, more and more seniors are answering the call, serving their communities, sharing their gifts, and helping others!

Check Out Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Canada is a great place to learn about the benefits of volunteerism and to find opportunities for volunteer service.

Learn more about volunteering and healthy ageing at Volunteer Canada's Volunteer50Plus website.

Just for Fun

Volunteering is Good for the Heart! You probably know how important volunteers are to service groups, schools and community organizations. But don't forget that serving in this important way can also benefit our own health! This month's puzzle has 18 ways we benefit by helping others. Download your own copy and give your brain a workout by finding them all!