You’ve done all the planning and have found your ideal place to retire. Now what? Have you made plans for how you will spend your time? If you haven’t considered volunteering, you should. There are many benefits to volunteering that go beyond doing something good for others. According to CarePages.com, here are some reasons volunteering is beneficial in retirement:
- Improvement of cardiovascular health. Being a volunteer can lower your blood pressure and improve heart problems. A study done by the University of Michigan Research Center showed that volunteers with a history of heart problems had reduced chest pain and lower cholesterol levels compared with non-volunteers.
- Lower risk of death. Another study on older adults who volunteer regularly demonstrated that those who spend time volunteering may enjoy a longer lifespan.
- Better mental functioning. Concerned about preserving your brainpower as you age? An increase in cognitive (mental) functioning is yet another potential benefit of volunteering.
- Overall mind and body improvement. Volunteers have been shown to reduce anxiety and depression and an overall sense of well-being. Volunteers have also been found to recover more quickly from surgery, sleep better, and have healthier immune systems compared to people who do not volunteer.
Not sure where to start? How about your retirement community? At Meth-Wick, we have volunteer positions that include:
- Front desk coverage at various buildings
- Assistance with wellness and recreation programs
- Working in the gift shop
- Delivering mail to Woodlands residents
- Popping popcorn for residents
- Driving the on-campus car
- Various office work for the chaplaincy program
- Presenting programs of personal interest for other residents (music, lectures, etc.)
- Being a church greeter
- Serving Communion during Sunday services
- Managing campus library spaces
- Friendly visits with other residents
- … And more!
It’s never too early to start planning what you would like to be involved in. Think beyond reading books, watching TV, traveling. What will keep you energized and interested for many years?
Questions about getting involved at Meth-Wick? Contact Eryn Cronbaugh at 319-297-8620 or ecronbaugh@methwick.org.