The Benefits of Volunteering as We Age

An article recently caught my attention because it talked about how volunteering could increase a person's life expectancy. I decided to look into this further, having known for some time that engagement with the world enhances our well-being as we age. However, I did not realize the significance volunteering had on a person's mental and physical health. 

Staying active is important as we age. Many volunteer activities require some sort of physical movement. Take for example, some of Mutual Ground's most recent volunteer opportunities. At our Walk for Hope, our Course Marshals needed to walk out to their designated location, help with directions, and then walk back to enjoy the event. At the annual Ms. Fannie's Yard Sale, volunteers helped us move boxes outside and set up for the sale. 

Even in later life, it's never too late to learn something new. Some volunteer tasks help boosts cognitive function. Solving, planning and coordination help keep the mind sharp. Learning how to check volunteers in using a new software program or helping write auction item descriptions are new tasks that can help challenge the brain! 

Volunteering allows you to connect with your community on a deeper level, fostering relationships with like-minded individuals, and enhancing your social network. Most importantly, contributing to a cause that one believes in can bring more fulfillment to ones like, particularly during the retirement years. 

If you are interested in volunteering at Mutual Ground, sign up here to get a list of all current and future opportunities.

Written by
Krystyna Sarrazin
Volunteer Administrator at Mutual Ground