After retirement, many seniors withdraw from society and pass up opportunities to socialize. Although this is common, it’s not good for their mental, physical, and emotional health. However, taking up purposeful activities such as volunteering can be easy and enjoyable. Continue reading to learn how volunteering can boost your aging loved one’s quality of life.
Get a Physical Workout
Some volunteer opportunities require seniors to move around, which boosts their physical wellbeing. For instance, when working at a community center, your loved one may be required to take people on tours of the facility. Walking visitors around the building could be beneficial for your loved one’s bone health, reducing the risk of slips and falls. If your loved one works at an animal shelter, he or she can take the dogs, cats, and other animals on regular walks that keep him or her physically healthy.
If you usually help your loved one get out and about to various activities but you need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over for you. Family caregivers sometimes need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. When they need respite care, Windermere families can rely on professional caregivers to help their senior loved ones remain safe at home.
Gain New Learning Opportunities
Brain stimulation can boost memory and lower the risk of frustration and slower attention spans. When volunteering, your parent can receive the stimulation he or she needs from learning new things associated with his or her role. Your loved one can use what he or she learns in daily life and maintain independence for a longer time. These learning opportunities can also decrease the risk of age-related conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Enjoy Companionship
Whether your loved one interacts with people or animals during volunteer hours, the companionship could reduce loneliness and boredom and increase his or her communication skills. Many doctors encourage seniors to volunteer for socialization, which could lower the risk of depression and boost their cognitive health. Look for senior-friendly volunteer opportunities in the community and encourage your loved one to sign up for a few hours each week.
Socializing is essential for optimal mental, emotional, and physical health in aging adults. Home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Prestige Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our revolutionary program, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
Have Fun
Some adults are unhappy in the senior years because they sit around at home instead of getting out to try new adventures. Volunteering allows your loved one to get out and find fun ways to spend his or her time while being surrounded by a network of like-minded people. The opportunities can provide a purpose in life and make the days more enjoyable.
Build Intergenerational Relationships
Many seniors use intergenerational relationships as a way to learn about things such as advances in technology, new vocabulary, and the latest trends. However, if their grandchildren live far away and their neighbors don’t have younger children, this could limit their intergenerational interactions. The good news is there are countless ways older adults can volunteer with younger people, including opportunities at local libraries, children’s hospitals, and various youth organizations in their communities. Your loved one can share life lessons with adolescents while learning new information, which can make him or her feel valued and accomplished in the golden years.
Volunteering can provide a great way for aging adults to boost their mental and physical health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Prestige Home Care, Prestige Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (407) 232-7155.