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Benefits of Volunteering for Seniors - The Virginian

In the words of Audrey Hepburn, “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself and the other for helping others.” Volunteering and donating your time not only helps those around you but also offers a wide range of rewards to yourself. These are just some of the ways volunteering benefits older adults, and how life at The Virginian makes finding volunteer opportunities easy.

Enrich Your Social Life

Volunteering is an amazing way to meet new people and form connections based on common interests and passions. When you volunteer with an organization you feel strongly about, you get to meet other people who support the same mission and goals as you do. Seniors who volunteer enjoy a rich social life with friends and a network that expands beyond their neighbors or immediate social circle. 

Enjoy A Sense of Purpose

Giving your time to a social cause you care about is an extremely rewarding experience with important emotional benefits. Helping others is a powerful reminder of our own abilities, and making a difference in the life of someone else can help reduce symptoms of depression and lower stress, as well as other cognitive benefits.

Keep Your Mind & Body Active

Volunteering is a great way to keep your body moving and mind stimulated. Activities that involve new skills are a great way to promote lifelong learning and stay mentally active, which can support cognitive function and support your mind against dementia-related symptoms. Physically, volunteering helps your cardiovascular system by promoting movement, exercise, and healthy circulation.

Discover New Interests

Just like volunteering can help you develop new skills, it can also introduce you to new interests. Whether through the benefiting organization itself or the people you meet while donating your time, volunteering is a great way to discover new passions to explore both while giving back and on your own, keeping your brain stimulated and your days rewarding. 

Choosing Where to Volunteer

When choosing where to volunteer, it’s important to consider your interests and abilities. Selecting a cause you feel passionate about will help enrich your experience and make volunteering a joy, not a chore, and make giving back a regular part of your routine.

It’s also good to keep in mind your physical skills and abilities. Do you have any background in a particular field or type of work? Are you comfortable with a small degree of physical labor, or prefer a sedimentary environment? Being conscious of where and how you volunteer your time will help make your experience more enjoyable and rewarding.

Ideas for Volunteering in Fairfax, VA

Residents at The Virginian enjoy a wide range of convenient volunteering opportunities, all within easy access to home, such as:

RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program), a part of AmeriCorps Seniors, helps connect volunteers ages 55 and older with Northern Virginia volunteer organizations and non-profits including food pantries, disaster services, tutoring opportunities, ESL support, and more.

Remote opportunities, such as with our local American Red Cross chapter, are also a great way to give back, especially in collecting feedback on services and directing other volunteers.

Throughout the year, there are also many opportunities to give back right in our community, including:

• Our Alzheimer’s Awareness Walk 

• Draw for Paws, an art event to help senior pets find homes

• Orphan Buddy, connecting seniors with orphans in war-torn nations

Enjoy the Best of Retirement at The Virginian

Keep your mind and body active while enjoying maintenance-free living at The Virginian. A premier senior living community in Fairfax, VA, The Virginian offers an active, welcoming community with opportunities for every interest. Contact us to schedule a tour and experience our innovative community first-hand.