Retirement is something many people look forward to, but it can be a difficult change no matter how exciting it is. In particular, having to adjust to all the new free time and the lack of daily structure can be a challenge. That’s why so many retirees pick up new hobbies, and volunteering is one of the most popular – with good reason.
At Ventura Townehouse, we provide many different activities to keep our residents engaged with life and the community. If you’re looking for something new to try during retirement, why not consider volunteering? Here are a few reasons we think it makes the perfect retiree activity.
The Benefits of Volunteering
We all know that volunteering is beneficial to society, but did you know that it’s good for the volunteer as well? It’s true: volunteering is associated with longer lifespans, better health, and higher quality of life. In fact, research shows that volunteering has more of an impact on well-being than income, education level, or marriage.
For many seniors, volunteering is an obvious choice when it comes to filling their time. It can add much-needed structure to daily life after leaving the workforce, as well as a sense of responsibility and purpose. Some retirees opt to pick up volunteer hours doing something that uses their career skills, while others go down a very different path. After all, volunteering provides the perfect setting to try new things. By participating in volunteer activities that are challenging, you’re ensuring that your brain continues building new pathways, which helps protect against cognitive decline.
Loneliness and isolation are major health risks for many older Americans, which brings up another valuable benefit of volunteering: socialization. Many volunteering positions involve plenty of social interaction, making volunteering a great opportunity for making new friends, being engaged with the community, and fostering connections across generations.
Ventura Townehouse
Senior Living in Ventura, CA
Keeping an active life filled with meaningful activities, like volunteering, is good for you physically and mentally; just be sure to find the best volunteering role for you. It’s important to choose something that will provide a sense of fulfillment, so take some time to consider what you’d like to change in the world or give to your community. Whether that means your local VA hospital, a soup kitchen, a library, or a church, you’re bound to find the perfect volunteer match for you.
Ventura Townehouse is an active senior living community in Ventura, CA. For more information about us, or to schedule a personalized tour, click here .
References:
https://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/healthbenefits_factsheet.pdf
https://www.venturatownehouse.com/contact
