The Healing Power of Service
Grace Pointe
For more information about the author, click to view their website: Grace Pointe
Sep 14, 2009
Colorado - Northern Colorado
Medical and scientific documentation also supports that volunteering can improve your self-esteem, enhance immune systems, buffer the impact of stress and combat isolation. This is especially true for older adults. As we journey through life, our experiences and knowledge make us highly skilled for volunteering in a myriad of circumstances. Volunteering puts people into highly social situations, increasing the opportunity for close personal relationships. It is a chance to participate in fulfilling activities that can make a difference in the lives of others. Older adults who volunteer feel a sense of community inclusion. This inclusion helps guard against stress and illness. Studies report that older adult volunteers live longer than non-volunteers.
Volunteering is a Win-Win for everyone! When caring through volunteering you tap into your healing powers for all who share the same road. Many times, what is most needed is for someone to listen and understand. We can all do this - - and will reap unexpected health benefits. The place to look for ready opportunities is the senior care community in your neighborhood. You can bring a talent or simply an interest in being with a wise elder. In a residential care community some volunteer opportunities might be; serving coffee in the dining room for breakfast before you go to work; bringing in your slides or video of a recent trip to share; starting a book club where you read a few chapters aloud in a group each week; bringing your grandchild's kindergarten class to visit and create an art project with the residents; sharing a bouquet from your garden; showing and sharing your treasures such as a collection of old Cappers Weekly newspapers or some vintage clothing from your mothers mother and on and on. . . . . This is a place where you are sure to touch lives, simply by being there!
Get Fit!! Volunteer! Your heart and your new friends in the neighborhood . . . . . will thank you for it.
a Submitted by Grace Pointe Continuing Care Senior Campus: 970-304-1919
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