Making a Difference for a Healthier and Happier You

Did you know that older Ohioans give more than 1.5 million hours of their time each year helping people of all ages? Even as the number of volunteers continues to grow, so does the demand for them.

Volunteerism is the act of contributing free labor to conduct community service or support a nonprofit organization. It is the principle of donating time and energy towards a greater cause. Volunteers help change the lives of those in their community as a social responsibility rather than receiving a financial reward.

Since 2024 as just begun and you’re vowing to eat less, exercise more, and stay in shape all year long, consider adding another healthy habit to your goals: volunteering.

 

Great Reasons to Volunteer

You’ll help others, and data suggests volunteering can positively impact your health as well. When researchers compared the health status of non-volunteers with those of volunteers, they found roughly 80% of volunteers—all ages 55 or older—reported having good, very good, or excellent health versus just 50% among non-volunteers of similar ages and backgrounds. Volunteers also reported fewer mobility problems and higher life satisfaction.

The volunteers also reported enjoying better health than they did before volunteering. Nearly half saw health improvements after just one year of service, and two-thirds reported feeling less isolated. Of the volunteers who started out with five or more symptoms of depression, 70% saw those symptoms subside. Let’s look at reasons to volunteer.

1.) Helps Bridge the Generation Gap

By interacting with younger generations, older adults can share important life lessons, and younger generations can teach seniors new ways of looking at life. By building a connection with each other both generations can offer the respect and affirmation that people need for a happy, healthy life.

 

2.) Volunteering Gives You a Feeling of Purpose

Giving others your time can make the volunteer feel more active and engaged. A study found that people who give their time felt more capable, confident, and useful. Since they were able to try something new and succeed, they also feel they can easily accomplish more new tasks in the future.

As people age, their sense of purpose might begin to fade. Children grow up and move out of the house, they retire from their jobs, and some physical activities may become more difficult. Regaining a feeling of purpose through volunteering can help older adults feel recharged with a new zest for life.

 

3.) It’s Good for Your Mental Health

Volunteering keeps the brain active, which contributes to a person’s cognitive health. The National Institute on Aging reported that participating in activities that are meaningful and productive may lower the risk of dementia and other health problems in older adults. Meaningful and productive activities can help you feel happier and have a positive outlook on life.

 

4.) Helps Prevent Senior Isolation and Depression

While getting out of the house is important at any age, research found that volunteering can have positive effects on a person’s psychological health. In a recent study, researchers found that individuals who engaged in volunteering activities experienced a shorter course of depression than those who did not volunteer. Volunteering provides older adults with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Life changes, such as moving to a new neighborhood or retiring from a career, can make finding friends to spend time with difficult. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people with common interests. By working together towards the same common goal, you can build friendships with like-minded people.

 

5.) It Promotes Physical Activity

Physical activity remains a highly important role in positive health outcomes through the oldest ages. Maintaining a healthy level of fitness helps fend off diseases at any age. Volunteering keeps you moving, regardless of what type of volunteer activity you choose.

 

6.) It Helps You Engage with Old Interests

Do you have an old hobby that has slipped to the wayside? It might be time to revisit it. Put your interests to good use by finding a volunteer opportunity that includes something that you used to enjoy. Volunteer activities can align with almost any interest. Do some research to find the one that best fits your interests.

 

7.) It Helps You Learn New Skills

Sometimes, monotony can make life a bit dull. If you find yourself bored or with too much time on your hands, volunteering might be just what you need to brighten your day. Many volunteer activities allow you to try things you’ve never done before and learn new skills. Look at opportunities that are a little outside of your comfort zone. You may develop a passion you never knew you had.

 

Making the Most of Your Volunteer Experiences

Many older adults find that volunteering is a fulfilling way to use their valuable skills to give back to others. It helpful to keep the following tips in mind when planning where, when, and how to volunteer:

• Time management is important—make sure you don’t over-commit, especially at first. A good amount to start with is a couple of hours a week. It’s harder to step back than to step up later and take on more.
• Make it convenient, getting there shouldn’t be a hassle. There are plenty of opportunities for you near your home.
• Just remember because you’re available doesn’t mean you’re needed at that moment. Many volunteer positions have waiting lists. Be patient and let them know you will take it seriously and be committed.
• Ask questions. Just because you’re needed doesn’t mean it will be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for you. Choose the environment where you want to be.
• Know what you enjoy, which is often what you’re good at. Don’t try to reach too far beyond what you’ve enjoyed in the past, at least not at first.
• If you are also looking at volunteering as a learning experience, let them know that when you’re exploring the opportunity.

Expect that you will have to do some searching to find the right fit. There are many not-for-profit organizations that list volunteer opportunities on their website, most for their own organization. There are also many smaller organizations that do not have a web presence. Be prepared to invest time and effort in the search process but try to make it enjoyable. Approaching it with the right attitude can make all the difference.

If you decide to spend your time volunteering, it’s important to look for opportunities that fit into your schedule. Many older adults find activities that are flexible and fit best into their schedule. Some people can volunteer 20 hours a week and still have plenty of time to partake in other activities. Determine what works best for you.

 

Find Your Passion, Make a Difference, and Have Fun Along the Way

The key to volunteering is finding meaningful activities you’re passionate about. That way, you’re more likely to stick with it and find the greatest personal benefits. Organizations with passionate volunteers will be able to pass that passion onto their program recipients and deliver a greater impact.

Here’s a few points to remember to ensure your volunteer opportunity is the right fit for you.

• It’s ok to say no occasionally.
• Remember to take some time out for yourself to recharge and relax.
• Know your limits.
• Pick a cause you are passionate about.
• Have fun!

No matter where you call home, whether it’s in your house or in a senior living community, there are opportunities for you.  Residents at The Ohio Masonic Communities are involved in volunteerism on their own campus as well as in their local communities.

 

Get Involved in Local Groups

Two volunteer opportunities that you might consider are the SPRIG Program through The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation and The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center Volunteer Program.  SPRIG stands for Supporting People Reinvesting In Good.

The SPRIGs are groups of five or more volunteers throughout Ohio who support The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation (OMCF) through a wide variety of fundraising projects. Projects and events include the Annual Giving Campaign, The Rose Ball and participation in OMCF Special Events. Each SPRIG operates independently, as well as participating in larger projects as a whole organization. As a SPRIG member, you serve as an extension of The Ohio Masonic Communities. You help carry out the mission of the organization. If you are interested in joining one of the SPRIG groups or would like more information, please contact Dan Shirk, by phone at 937-926-4305 or email dshirk@omcoh.org.

As part of The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center (OMCRC), there is a Masonic Volunteer Program (MVP) committee in 21 districts. Through the MVP committees, volunteers partner with the OMCRC Community Outreach Coordinator in their area to reach out to Fraternal and Eastern Star members in need of information or assistance.

Volunteers act as the “eyes and ears” in the community to alert Community Outreach Coordinators of potential needs before they become major health or safety issues. Volunteers can be as active as they choose, making referrals, calling or visiting older members of their Lodge or Chapter, providing rides to Lodge or medical appointments, or sharing information about the help that is available through the resource center. Some volunteers have chosen to be more “hands on,” offering to rake leaves, shovel snow, clean gutters, take a meal to a shut in or do minor home repairs. Our most requested service is a friendly phone call, someone to listen and talk to while spending a few minutes in a friendly, helpful conversation. The volunteers also work closely with our Bereavement Program by identifying new widows and widowers. They promote their Lodge or Chapter’s widows’ outreach efforts, as well as provide assistance and support in partnership with the Community Outreach Coordinators. For more information on the volunteer opportunities available through the resource center, please contact DeAnna Kinney, by phone at 740-262-1974 or email dkinney@omcoh.org.

Whether you just retired or have been retired for many years, there is an opportunity out there for you. Check the internet for volunteer opportunities in your community. It’s never too late to get started.

 

For more great volunteer opportunities and on how aging adults can get involved in the community, The Ohio Masonic Communities is your go to resource. With three locations in Springfield, Waterville, and Medina, OH, their senior living communities offer 24/7 care and support for independent living, assisted living, and memory care. If you and your loved one are interested in senior living, schedule a tour at one of the scenic and beautiful communities. Call (877) 881-1623 today to learn more about their great senior living options.