Think volunteering’s just a nice thing you do for others? Think again. A growing body of research has pointed to the social, emotional, and even physical health benefits of volunteering.
Now a recent study, published in the journal The Gerontologist, zeroes in on the particular benefits volunteering offers older adults, and reveals how we can remove the three plagues of loneliness, helplessness, and boredom by providing a sense of purpose for those elders living at home or in a senior housing community.
We are working with elders who are looking at life in a new way as they grow older. It is an intentional practice that involves harvesting the wisdom of their lives, and finding ways to transmit that wisdom as a legacy to future generations, and giving back through service.
See the short video below produced by the residents and care team at Sundial Assisted Living in Redding California. The elders and the care team are disrupting society’s concept of aging, and are making a difference in the city of Redding, and in the world! The care team is inspired and motivated to service by the example and wisdom of the elders they serve.
We are grateful for their example and their service! This holiday season and every day is an opportunity to spread kindness in a spirit of goodness and love. It is amazing how giving can really make YOUR day!
About the author:
Jean Garboden is the Director of Education and Innovation at Compass Senior Living, in Eugene Oregon. She is an Eden Alternative Educator, and Elder Advocate. Jean is dedicated to supporting the care teams and the elders to grow, learn, and be the best they can be in this celebration of elderhood. It is a journey where reciprocal care and teaching can allow close relationships, joy, and passion into the workplace and into the lives of elders and their families. Elders have much to teach us, and and we are open to learn and grow alongside them.
True North Elderhood 