Today, many seniors are the founders of charitable organizations and dedicate their time to helping society progress. People aged 65 and over make up nearly 19% of Quebec's population. They are the ones who have given the most volunteer hours, with an impressive average of 226 hours for those aged 75 and over, according to a 2021 study by Statistics Canada. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of volunteering on health and social life, as well as ways you can get involved in your community.
The Feeling of Being Useful
For many seniors, volunteering is an excellent way to reinvent themselves and give new meaning to their lives. After years in the workforce, it can be challenging to replace the identity built around this area of our lives. Giving your time, feeling useful to society, and making a difference in peoples' lives are great ways to rediscover a sense of purpose while respecting your limitations.
The Benefits of Volunteering on Physical Health
Upon retirement, some people fear boredom and lack of physical activity. However, these are essential for maintaining good health. Research shows that volunteers have better physical health than non-volunteers. For example, a longitudinal study on the impacts of volunteering among seniors found that volunteer activities among those aged 70 and older are associated with better physical functioning and a lower mortality rate. To stay active in retirement and promote good health, volunteering is one of the most interesting options to consider.
The Strong Connection Between Volunteering and Mental Health
A study conducted by Cornell University highlighted the positive impact of feeling good about helping others on our mental health. Indeed, after studying the impact of volunteering on 500 participants over 30 years, they found that only 36% of them had suffered from a severe illness, compared to 52% of non-volunteers. Are you suddenly feeling the urge to volunteer? It would be hard to resist.
In fact, endorphins are hormones that alleviate anxiety and stress. They also provide a sense of relaxation and euphoria. They are secreted when humans feel appreciated by those around them. As you may have guessed, an excellent way to feel appreciated and thus benefit from endorphins is to do good for others. How? Volunteering seems to be a great way to achieve this.
The Impact of Volunteering on Depression
For many, retirement represents a break from work overload. It's an ideal time to take a step back, care for oneself, and explore new horizons. For others, this period may reflect a withdrawal from many essential social spheres for maintaining healthy mental health. Employment means more than just work; it involves colleagues, friends, social events, and stimulating experiences. This drastic change can lead to greater isolation and, consequently, depression. In this case, volunteering is an excellent way to counteract the negative feelings caused by social withdrawal by promoting inclusion in new life spheres. For many, it represents the perfect balance between slowing down professionally and maintaining an active social life.
Volunteering and Its Positive Effects on the Brain
To maintain optimal cognitive health and prevent the onset of early dementia signs, it is recommended to keep the brain active and stimulated. Through the acquisition of new knowledge and skills, volunteering contributes to this cognitive stimulation. Numerous studies demonstrate that hobbies and work can be stimulating for the social, physical, and cognitive aspects of our lives. It quickly becomes evident that volunteering sits right at the center of these benefits.
In the same vein, more demanding volunteer roles may require more cognitive resources and thus be better for health. For both seniors and younger individuals, finding meaningful, stimulating volunteer activities close to our interests can only be beneficial for our development and maintaining good health.
Getting Involved for a Better Social Life
Volunteering, like the employment sphere, has evolved significantly over time. Globalization, demographic changes, technological advances, and social issues all have an impact on the demand for and necessity of volunteering.
From a societal perspective, social and community organizations increasingly rely on the involvement of seniors to ensure the continuity of services. With the current labor shortage, employers create environments conducive to volunteers' growth, aiming for win-win situations. In addition to finding pleasure in their work, volunteers can contribute to the continuity of services and the advancement of society. That's no small feat!
Volunteering is also a way to meet new people and socialize. It allows establishing new relationships and developing a strong sense of belonging to one's community. Moreover, it's an excellent opportunity to interact with people of different generations, orientations, and ideologies. There's nothing like being part of a community that appreciates you to promote a healthy self-esteem.
Senior Volunteer Programs
The ways to volunteer are endless. One of the advantages of giving your time is being able to focus on volunteer activities that align with your interests. No matter what excites you, there's an opportunity waiting for you.
Would you like some help figuring out the right way for you to get involved? Here are some examples of volunteer opportunities that are often in demand:
- Reading to children
- Courtesy visits to single people
- Leading social and cultural activities, such as music or art classes
- Transportation and accompaniment services
- Customer service
- Manual activities (such as furniture assembly assistance)
- Writing (articles, newsletters, government requests)
- Teaching
- Babysitting
- Tax assistance
- Friendship calls
Now, the question is: where to start getting involved? There are several organizations across Quebec that help seniors find the right volunteer opportunity. A good way to start is to contact your local Volunteer Action Center. They can recommend the right places based on your needs and location. All it takes is a phone call to start the process and begin thriving as a volunteer.
Volunteering in Senior Residences
Whether it's to maintain an active social life, develop new skills, promote good health, or simply pass the time, there are plenty of reasons to turn to volunteering. Senior living communities are ideal for facilitating access to volunteer opportunities and, in many cases, offering them within the residence itself. What could be better than living in a community while feeling useful to those around you? Would you like to learn more about life in a senior residence and its benefits? The Bonjour Residences team is available to answer your questions. Contact us at 1-844-918-1020 to speak with one of our advisors.