It
is well demonstrated that senior volunteers are actively involved in the Cedar
Valley as we celebrate 8 over 80. The involvement of these individuals has
strengthened our community and allowed others to witness a life full of
service.
Volunteerism
throughout the state of Iowa is well documented. The Corporation for National
and Community Service indicates that
volunteers age 55 and over are involved. 39% of Iowans age 55+ volunteer while
averaging 54 hours of volunteer time annually.
Older
Iowans who have not volunteered and have uncertainties should consider the
following:
·
Find a passion. Retirement is the time to live out your passion; feed the homeless, get
involved in the neighborhood, or teach youth about art at a local art museum. Do
what you’ve always wanted to do and didn’t have time to do before.
·
Look for a need. A 2009 survey, conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service,
found that 80% of nonprofit organizations surveyed reported some level of
fiscal stress. To find out where you can be most helpful, contact the Volunteer
Center of Cedar Valley.
·
Avoid perfectionism. It’s easy to seek perfection in a volunteer role. Perfectionism can ruin the
project for you and others around you.
·
Strive for joy. If nothing else, a volunteer job should be something fun. Volunteer work
can be dirty and difficult but it should still be something you enjoy.
·
Deflect criticism. While you might not be taking the volunteer job too seriously, others may.
Try to brush off criticism. Don’t allow it to ruin your ability to find a way
to give.
·
Steer clear of conflict. Try to avoid conflict in volunteer life. Sometimes you need to give up
ground on an idea to keep the peace.
·
Don’t overdo. Older adults can become so committed to a cause it becomes a job. While
that kind of dedication is commendable, remember that retirement work should be
a labor of love.
·
Avoid negativity. Ignore negativity and gravitate toward people and projects that share your
interests.
·
Get help. If you’re an older Iowan or have a loved one who wants to volunteer contact
the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.
The following are benefits of volunteering for those 55
and older in the United States. “Older volunteers are finding ways to use their
lifetime of skills and experience to make an impact on issues they care about,”
said Dr. Erwin Tan, director of Senior Corps, provider of the statistics listed
below.
·
Make a Difference - 99% of older volunteers want to make
a difference. Whether it’s passing out lunches to the homeless or building a
home for a family in need, nearly all senior volunteers want to make a
difference.
·
Improved Physical Health - 98% stay active and feel better physically.
Recent research shows that giving back results in increased activity, which
often results in improved health.
·
Stronger Emotional Outlook - 98% feel better emotionally. The
idea of putting others’ needs before one’s own pays off.
·
Renewed Spiritual Purpose - 98% gain a sense of purpose. Along
with a need to make a difference, older volunteers overwhelmingly want to gain
a sense of purpose.
·
Shared Wisdom - 90% want to share their talents,
skills and experience. Many older adults have spent a lifetime in careers or
perfecting domestic and creative skills that they are pleased to share with
others.
·
Revived Perspective and
Mental Acuity - 84%
want to occupy their free time. Volunteering helps supports “executive
function” or brain activity in key areas of the brain.
·
Effective Pain Relief - 75% with chronic conditions say
volunteering helps them manage these conditions. Giving back may serve as a
stress reliever and distraction for seniors suffering from various conditions
such as arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure.
·
Revitalized Social
Networks - 74% are able to
overcome feeling isolated. There’s no time when the risk of isolation is as
great as the senior years.
·
Improved Mental Outlook - 70% are able to overcome feeling depressed. Depression is among the biggest
challenges faced by older adults who have lost spouses or whose families have
moved away or are too busy for them.
·
Long-Lasting Legacies - 53% say that they learned the
importance of volunteering from their parents’ community service and 84% say
they have encouraged their children to give back to their communities.
Seven in 10 U.S. older volunteers say they plan on
volunteering “forever” or they have no end in sight to their community service
activities.
The
Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley works to promote and support effective
volunteerism and to serve as the resource and coordination center for
volunteers and community partnerships.
To
secure volunteer opportunities call the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at
272-2087. Volunteer opportunities may also be accessed at www.vccv.org or Volunteer Solutions.
