Older Iowans are Lifetime Volunteers

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.