What am I doing to make life better? It's a question I'm often asking myself. Sometimes the answer involves theater or visiting friends both of which improve my quality of life. Sometimes I want to feel useful and I look for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.
Many of us help others. Between the ages of 55-65, 27% of us do it and, after 65, almost 24% volunteer according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. In short, approximately 1 in 4 of us donate our time and skills to improve a life, a business, or an organization.
If we connect with a pleasant volunteer cause we typically donate larger amounts of time than other age groups and research tells us that our time is well spent. Volunteering feels good and it provides health benefits to our bodies and minds. A recent study focusing on Experience Corps volunteers (school tutors 55 and older) found less depression, better memory retention, and greater physical vitality as a result of volunteering.
How do I make my life better? By doing something. Almost anything will do. If I take action to give myself a treat or meet friends it improves my life and if I reach out to help others I get a reciprocal effect. Volunteering gives me as much or more benefit then I give away. If you’re wondering about volunteering but don’t know how to get involved I’ve got good news for you. The internet makes it easy. Now there are sites like volunteermatch.org which pair us with situations where our interests and skills fit.
You know what I do to make life better. Tell me, what do you do?
update Jan 21 2013 Today is the national day of service. Need a place to volunteer? Check out the Senior Corps or Volunteermatch
update May 20 2013 Volunteerism by older Americans is at a 10 year high with 3 billion hours donated to helping others!
