If you’re looking to volunteer during retirement, you’re not alone.  According to AmeriCorps and Census.gov, over 22.6 million Baby Boomers (born between 1946 – 1964) in the United States volunteer, equaling 30.7% of the Baby Boomer generation. In addition, over 6.6 million older adults in the Silent Generation (born between 1925 – 1945) volunteer, equaling 24.8%.

The benefits of volunteering are numerous.  Not only are you helping improve the lives of others, but you’re also improving your own.  Benefits include:

Promotes Physical Activity – When you have more time on your hands, it’s easy to succumb to the temptation of vegging in front of the television or remaining dormant in your home.  A scheduled volunteer role can be just the motivation needed to get out of the house and be active.  Helping landscape, clean, run errands, or even stuff mailing envelopes can keep your body moving.

Boosts Mental Health – Volunteering has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and lessen feelings of depression.  It can even be used as a prevention method for dementia.  The National Institute on Aging reports that keeping your brain active and taking part in meaningful social activities, like volunteering, can improve longevity, improve mental health, and reduce the risk of dementia.

Prevents Isolation – When you’re no longer going out into the workforce daily or interacting with others on a regular basis, it’s easy to become socially isolated.  Volunteering can often be the cure to isolation and loneliness as it gives you the opportunity to connect with others.  Relationships often develop as you meet new people and form friendships with those you serve alongside.

Develops a Sense of Purpose – Some retirees may experience their sense of purpose diminish after leaving a life-long career.  Without a regular outlet to use their skills, many can feel as though they’re no longer making a positive impact on the world.  Volunteering can provide a personal sense of accomplishment and purpose once again as you improve your community and the lives of others.

At Snyder Village, a life plan community in Metamora, IL, a team of volunteers helps keep things running smoothly.  Serving food in the bistros, leading chapel services, playing cards with residents, and doing landscaping are all examples of ways volunteers help at Snyder Village.  Nancy Aeschleman, once an employee of Snyder Village and now a volunteer, enjoys coming back to campus to visit with the residents.  “I was a cook here (Snyder Village) for 10 years.  I loved working here!  I call this my home…These people are my family,” says Nancy.  She has volunteered for the past eight years in various roles, such as cooking, doing cake demonstrations, and cookie decorating.  “It’s absolutely fun and you learn a lot!” explains Nancy.

Ashley Thompson, Volunteer Coordinator at Snyder Village, regularly witnesses the positive impact volunteering can make.  Not only does it help keep services and functions operating efficiently, but volunteering deeply impacts the individuals involved.  One volunteer, a man whose wife recently passed away, still comes to Snyder Village every day.  Now instead of coming to visit his wife, he comes to help serve food to the residents.  He considers the residents his family, and giving back is a powerful tool in managing grief.  “When you can give back to someone, like by reading them a book or just talking to them, it really helps to give you purpose,” explains Ashley.

Merry Lu Buchanan, a resident in the Snyder Village Retirement Community, has seen numerous benefits from volunteering around campus.  “It has given me a better idea of how to help folks and to see the needs of others…We all need help,” says Merry Lu.  For around 10 years, Merry Lu led a Bible study on campus.  In the past she also helped the residents in Memory Care, assisting where needed.  She still enjoys serving as a representative on the Resident Council, helping make decisions that better the community.  She also volunteers at her church, helping in the nursery and with the women’s group.  “I like how volunteering keeps you busy,” says Merry Lu.  “It makes you feel needed and that’s a good thing.”

Several volunteer opportunities are currently available at Snyder Village.  For more information, visit  www.snydervillage.com or call (309) 366-4135.

Snyder Village in Metamora is a life-plan community that offers independent living in its cottages and apartments.  Snyder Village also features assisted living, memory care, and a health center along with physical therapy on-site.  Its home care services support residents in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Marshall Counties.  For more information, call (309) 367-4300 or visit www.snydervillage.com.

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Gaining a Healthier Body & Mind – Volunteering has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and even lower the risk of developing high blood pressure.  A large portion of the participants in the CNCS study (78%) also reported fewer feelings of depression after giving back.  So while you’re helping others, your own mind and body are being helped as well.  Snyder Village resident, Merry Lu Buchanan, knows this to be true from experience.  When she moved to Snyder Village’s retirement community ten years ago, Buchanan wasted no time in getting started helping out around campus.  She regularly assists with the activities, drives others to appointments, and serves on the Resident Council.  “Helping others,” she says, “makes you feel good.  It helps me to think of others first…When you put others before yourself, it gives you a better frame of mind.”

Enjoying New Experiences – Volunteering allows older adults to stay engaged and active.  It provides the perfect opportunity to try new activities and experiences.  Whether you walk dogs from a shelter, visit individuals in the hospital or nursing center, or teach children in Sunday School, volunteering provides a vast range of opportunities for you to try.  

Snyder Village resident, Elliott Richard (Dick) Garber, has enjoyed serving the last two years around the Snyder Village campus.  His volunteering has led him to new experiences, from helping at events like a pancake and sausage breakfast and a golf outing, to being a spokesperson in a television advertisement for Snyder Village.  “I enjoy working with the staff members, who are very grateful.  Everyone is always in a good mood, so it is fun,” explains Garber.

Developing a Sense of Purpose – For many retirees, a sense of purpose can diminish after leaving a life-long career.  Without a regular outlet to use their skills and abilities, many seniors begin to feel that they are no longer making a positive impact on the world.  Volunteering can provide a personal sense of accomplishment and purpose once again as you improve your community and the lives of others.  It also provides the opportunity to leave a legacy as you make a positive impact on the world around you.

Connecting with Others – Isolation and loneliness are known problems among seniors, and serving others can often be the cure.  According to the CNCS study, 88% of participants reported a decrease in feelings of isolation after regularly giving back.  When you commit to serving others, you have ample opportunities to connect with different types of people.  Friendships can also form with other volunteers as you help others together.

As part of their volunteer service at Snyder Village, both Buchanan and Garber regularly teach Bible studies to other residents.  The meaningful connections formed with others as they learn and pray together are invaluable and positively impact all those involved.

It’s Fun! – Connecting with other like-minded individuals to try something new or accomplish a great goal can prove to be an enjoyable way to spend your free time.  As volunteering has been proven to improve your physical health, your mood, and even your relationships, it’s also just plain fun!    

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Snyder Village, please call (309) 367-4300 ext. 135 or click here.

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