Insights

Mariah Busch
Neighborhood Guide
Porter Hills Village

Watch the WZZM Senior Wellness segment on this topic!

For older adults, volunteering provides social opportunities, the ability to give back to the community, an active lifestyle, and meaningful engagement.

Social Opportunities

Volunteering gives an opportunity for older adults to meet more people with a similar passion and dedication for an organization. Isolation and loneliness is a common issue for seniors, and volunteering can be a great way to avoid becoming isolated. Finding a purpose or organization provides a common interest and a chance for those who share their skills, experience, and wisdom.

Active Lifestyle

Seniors who volunteer remain activity involved in their community. There are numerous ways to volunteer, and anyone can join. Volunteering provides so many physical and mental benefits. Volunteering can create a sense of happiness, while decreasing stress and anxiety. Helping others provides that “good feeling” of knowing a good deed was done! Volunteering can also promote physical activity. Some volunteer opportunities may encourage seniors to partake in physical activity or use a skill that requires motion. For instance, being part of an assembly line that packs lunches for kids, or visiting those who are ill.

Meaningful engagement

Volunteering provides seniors with a meaningful role, and a sense of purpose in life. Finding an organization or community that someone is passionate about helps raise confidence, self-esteem, and offer a sense of belonging. When someone volunteers they become a part of that organization, and create a sense of accountability that many may miss after years of working.

There are many volunteer opportunities available at Porter Hills.  More than 250 Porter Hills volunteers spend nearly 15,000 hours each year engaged in helping others. Through dedicated service and companionship, these selfless volunteers greatly enrich the lives of our residents.