Volunteering also offers numerous health benefits specific to older adults.

Volunteering gives older adults an opportunity to participate in fulfilling activities, which can make a difference in the lives of others.

Helping to better situations for others contributes to healthy communities. Older adult volunteers feel a sense of community inclusion which has a positive impact on their health and overall well being.

Volunteer activities help older adults improve self confidence and self esteem, which helps reduce blood pressure and improves immune function.

Volunteer activities help older adults form interpersonal ties and develop social networks. Like family and friends, these networks act as a buffer against stress and illness.

Older adult volunteers live longer than non-volunteers. Studies report that engaging in regular volunteer work increases life expectancy because social interaction improves quality of life.

The Boomer Blogger