Loneliness and a lack of purpose is a common complaint among retirees. Once you finally dont have to go to work anymore, some seniors are surprised to experience feelings of depression and emptiness after retirement. Work can also provide an important social outlet that leaves a hole in its absence. Thankfully, there are lots of ways to address these feelings and enjoy your retirement. One great option is volunteer work. Here, we will explore the top 10 volunteer opportunities for retirees. Youll be able to find more meaning and social interaction in your life, while making a positive difference in the world. Mentoring and TutoringTeach others your skills by spending time mentoring and tutoring! Local schools, community centers, and adult education programs are often looking for volunteers to help out. Even if you dont consider yourself especially gifted in any one area, you probably have the skills to help a student with math or English homework. You could also help someone in your neighborhood learn a productive hobby, like making jam or crochet. Nonprofit OrganizationsWith all the nonprofit organizations out there, youre sure to find one that aligns with your passions and interests. Some examples include animal shelters, food banks, homeless shelters, or environmental conservation groups. You can take a more hands-on role by volunteering directly with the animals or community members. For seniors in more remote areas, or those with mobility challenges or health concerns, you can try finding online ways to volunteer with these nonprofit organizations. They may need help with grant writing, making phone calls, or answering emailsall of which can be done remotely. Hospital and Healthcare FacilitiesFor healthy and agile seniors, you might consider offering your support and companionship to patients and their families by volunteering at hospitals, hospices, or senior care centers. For example, some hospitals have volunteers who hold premature babies when their parents have to be away at work. You can make a meaningful difference in peoples lives when you volunteer in healthcare. LibrariesMany libraries are understaffed and underfunded. See if you can assist with library programs or help organize events. For example, you could host a childrens music hour or read local children's books at story time. You can also provide support to library staff by running book clubs or literacy programs.National Parks and ConservationIf the outdoors is your passion, volunteer with national or state parks! Volunteer as a park guide, help maintain trails, or assist local conservation organizations.Disaster Relief OrganizationsUnfortunately, there is no shortage of disaster in this world. There is always someone who needs help. Get involved with disaster relief organizations to assist in disaster response efforts, provide support to affected communities, or participate in emergency preparedness initiatives.Community GardensContribute your gardening skills by volunteering at community gardens. If none exist near you, try starting your own! You can teach others about getting started with gardening, sustainable gardening practices, and helping maintain the gardens. Museums and Art Galleries Share your passion for arts and culture by volunteering at museums or art galleries, guiding visitors, assisting with exhibits, or conducting research. Business MentoringThe skills you spent decades learning in the workforce can go on to help others who are just starting out, or who need a little help along the way. Offer your business expertise by mentoring entrepreneurs, startups, or individuals seeking career advice through organizations like SCORE or local business development centers.  Community Service OrganizationsJoin local community service organizations that address a variety of needs in your community, such as United Way or Rotary Club. You could also try organizations like the Red Cross and assist with things like blood drives. Many seniors enjoy volunteering with their local church service organization, too.  Retirement doesnt have to be a bore. With these top 10 volunteer opportunities for retirees, your life can be full of friends and meaning long after your workdays are over. If you have any questions, please call The Gallery at Broomfield at 303-656-3738.

Winter Wellness for SeniorsBy Patrick Troumbley, MS, CSCSBalancing the 8 Pillars of Wellness for Seniors in Winter: Evidence-Based Insights Introduction As winter descends, the well-being of seniors becomes a paramount concern. Aging individuals must navigate the unique challenges that colder temperatures and reduced daylight hours bring. This article delves into the intricacies of balancing the 8 pillars of wellness for seniors during the winter season, substantiating insights with scholarly references. Physical Wellness Physical wellness, a cornerstone of senior health, demands careful attention during winter. Maintaining physical activity is essential for avoiding the adverse effects of inactivity and cold weather. A study by de Rezende et al. (2014) emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity for seniors, citing its role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Indoor exercises like yoga and chair exercises, as recommended by the American Heart Association (2021), offer viable options to stay active during winter. Mental Wellness The winter months often usher in feelings of isolation and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). A study by Melrose (2015) underscores the prevalence of SAD among older adults. Engaging in cognitive stimulation activities can alleviate symptoms. Seniors can find solace in local clubs, virtual classes, and community events, as advocated by Forrester (2017), who highlights the significance of social engagement in mitigating SAD symptoms. Emotional WellnessEmotional wellness hinges on effective emotional regulation. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are integral components of emotional wellness. A systematic review by Rusch et al. (2019) supports the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress and anxiety. Seniors can access mindfulness resources and guidance on emotional wellness through organizations such as Seniors Blue Book Utah. Social WellnessMaintaining an active social life is pivotal for seniors. The adverse effects of social isolation on senior well-being have been extensively documented (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015). Seniors are encouraged to participate in local clubs and community events, as promoted by Senior Expos, to foster social connections. Intellectual Wellness Intellectual wellness necessitates ongoing learning and mental stimulation. Seniors can embrace hobbies like reading and learning new languages to foster intellectual growth. A study by Verghese et al. (2003) associates intellectual engagement with a reduced risk of cognitive decline in aging individuals. Occupational Wellness Occupational wellness transcends traditional work and relates to engaging in purposeful activities. Volunteering, as explored in a study by Okun et al. (2016), offers seniors a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Seniors can explore volunteer opportunities through organizations like Seniors Blue Book Utah. Environmental Wellness Winter introduces environmental challenges, such as slippery sidewalks and heating concerns. Seniors must ensure their living environments are safe and comfortable. The National Institute on Aging (2021) provides valuable tips for creating senior-friendly environments. Spiritual Wellness Spiritual wellness revolves around finding meaning and purpose in life. Engaging in spiritual practices, such as meditation and prayer, can provide solace and inner peace. A study by Carlson et al. (2016) explores the positive effects of mindfulness-based spiritual practices on well-being. Conclusion Balancing the 8 pillars of wellness is paramount for senior well-being, especially during the winter months. Evidence-based insights emphasize the need for regular physical activity, cognitive stimulation, social engagement, and emotional regulation. Seniors can access resources and information from reputable organizations like Seniors Blue Book Utah and Senior Expos to aid in their pursuit of wellness. By integrating these scholarly insights into their winter routines, seniors can not only survive but thrive during this season, enjoying a life marked by health, happiness, and purpose. References: American Heart Association. (2021). Recommendations for Physical Activity in Older Adults. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-older-adults Carlson, L. E., et al. (2016). Mindfulness-based interventions for coping with cancer. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1373(1), 5-12.de Rezende, L. F. M., et al. (2014). Physical activity and preventable premature deaths from non-communicable diseases in Brazil. Journal of Public Health, 36(3), 514-522. Forrester, A. (2017). Seasonal affective disorder in older adults: improving mood and well-being through leisure interventions. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 41(1), 39-53. Holt-Lunstad, J., et al. (2015). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: A meta-analytic review. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(2), 227-237.Melrose, S. (2015). Seasonal affective disorder: An overview of assessment and treatment approaches. Depression Research and Treatment, 2015, 1-6.National Institute on Aging. (2021). Winter Safety Tips for Older Adults. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/infographics/winter-safety-tips-older-adults Okun, M. A., et al. (2016). Volunteering by older adults and risk of mortality: A meta-analysis. Psychology and Aging, 31(6), 634-645. Rusch, H. L., et al. (2019). A randomized controlled trial of the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on posttraumatic growth among survivors of interpersonal violence. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 32(6), 936-946. Verghese, J., et al. (2003). Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly. New England Journal of Medicine, 348(25), 2508-2516.Patrick Troumbley, MS, CSCS

How Do You Bridge the Gap Between Independent and Assisted Living? We all want to be independent and engaged citizens its human nature. So, when everyday tasks begin to become challenging, how do you stay actively engaged in the life you know and love? This is where hiring a "Nabor" with Naborforce is the ideal solution. Seniors and their families agree that hiring a Nabor can be an absolutely lifesaving and lifegiving experience. Who is Naborforce? What is a Nabor? Naborforce was created from a passion to help seniors and their families reduce stress and restore joy in the aging process. Founder Paige Wilson saw that if she could connect older adults with compassionate community members as helpers, they would regain access to the things they valued, improving their quality of life. A Nabor is not a caretaker, but rather a helper of sorts. These rigorously vetted helpers are simply Nabors helping older neighbors, providing the kind of light support and friendly hand a neighbor might offer. In days gone by, it was easy to ask a neighbor for help. But todays communities are less close knit as they once were. The Naborforce platform makes it safe and simple to get that help.  A Nabor does not provide any personal care bathing, feeding, medication management, etc. but, instead, offers on-demand support for errands, transportation, help around the home and companionship. For seniors who arent ready for the assistance of licensed home care, this kind of service helps them address the challenges at hand while not feeling like a burden to family or friends. If one hour of help is all thats needed, thats available and the minimum required sometimes that one hour makes all the difference in the productivity of that day. The unintended, beautiful result of a productive day is often a feeling of purpose, mental positivity and increased confidence. Naborforce helps aging seniors retain their independence and dignity, leaving them feeling more engaged and connected to the world around them.What Kinds of Services are Offered?Returning freedom and flexibility to both grown children and their aging parents, Nabors are able to offer (but are not limited to): Meal prep Transportation and companionship to appointments, work, classes, functions, salon and more Help with correspondence Organizing/cleaning out Light support with technology computer, tablet, smart phone Social engagement/conversation Help with pets Playing cards, games, reading aloud and assisting with hobbies An extra set of hands around the house and light housekeeping Taking the Pressure Off of FamiliesYou cant put a price on peace of mind, and this is especially true when it comes to the safety and happiness of family. The mental, physical and emotional load associated with worrying about aging parents can be overwhelming Are they OK? Am I doing enough? Many adult children face these challenges while also juggling the seemingly never-ending demands of their own children and careers. And if you are a grown child who lives in a different town from your aging parent(s), the whole situation is that much more difficult to manage.We desperately wish we could do it all, but the reality is that we cant. Its OK to need a little back up. In many ways, Nabors are thought of as backup sons and daughters, helping with the daily tasks and lengthy to-do lists, in turn enabling family time to be quality time. Seniors and their adult children can let go of the worry and get back to just enjoying each others company.  More Than Just Help Joy Ask seniors about their experience with Nabors, and they will tell you that its as much about the fellowship as it is the help. Nabors see it as their mission to spread joy and goodwill through their service, and that mission is felt. Nabors help their clients feel joyful, comfortable and connected to the community around them. It is so important to remain active and engaged throughout ones life, and Nabors make that easier and more fun -- than ever. Clients enjoy the freedom and autonomy of not having to be dependent on friends and family for assistance. Instead, they gain even more friends in their Nabors, and the pleasure is mutual.  The delight in hiring a Nabor is not only felt in the engagement, but also in the joyous aging such a service facilitates. Life doesnt have to slow down when this kind of help is available. Clients in their 80s and 90s are more than able to and do go into the office, attend art classes, keep up with volunteer jobs, and more with the help of their Nabors. This service is freedom. Seniors know they have much more to give this world, and they arent done yet!  Making An Impact on Future Generations The real beauty of Naborforce is found in the wealth of knowledge gained by the Nabors and the reciprocity of goodwill. The visits are not only rewarding for the seniors, but for the Nabors as well. They feel that they get even more out of the experiences than the seniors do! During their visits, it allows them to slow down and feel more grounded, and they benefit from the wisdom and perspective offered to them. They all remark about the countless ways it has enriched their lives. They have been given the opportunity to experience the richness of multi-generational friendships, while they serve the cherished new family who brings them joy.Your Dallas - Fort Worth Naborforce team is ready to assist with of your help at home needs!PLEASE NOTE: Naborforce DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY PERSONAL CARE. We do not assist with bathing, feeding, dressing or toileting. Additionally, we do not provide medication management, wound care, safe transfers, or any other regulated activities. Should you need that level of care, please contact a home care agency. This article was written by Paige Wilson, Founder, Naborforce.