The benefits of volunteering can be seen at elder care facilities Vancouver, WA. One of the big benefits to seniors is the sense of purpose volunteering can provide. Having a meaningful purpose supports a healthy lifestyle that involves increased physical, mental and social activity.

There is a real feeling of well-being that comes from volunteering. There are many opportunities to be physically active,   mentally active and socially active. With that comes significant health benefits. One feels more connected with the wider community, and is less likely to feel lonely or isolated.

Studies show that volunteer activities can have especially great advantages for seniors with chronic health condition such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Volunteering has also been shown to help overcome depression.

Seniors themselves have reported seeing many benefits from volunteering. Some of these observed benefits besides  improved physical health include:

• building a stronger emotional foundation;
• having a mission in life: seniors want to make a difference in the world;
• a renewed spiritual purpose;
• gaining new perspective and increased mental acuity;
• stress and pain relief;
• strengthening social networks;
• satisfying a need to share a lifetime of wisdom, skills and experience.

Volunteering can be an important part of life for older Americans. There may be volunteer opportunities within elder care facilities in Vancouver, WA.  Seniors can find a volunteer opportunity by looking toward their passion. Maybe there is something they have always wanted to do, but haven’t had the time for until now. Another avenue for volunteering is to look for a need in the community. One more good source for volunteer jobs is the local church or synagogue. Life at elder care facilities in Vancouver, WA can be enhanced by volunteerism.