The Benefits of Community Service for Senior Citizens
Senior citizens often begin to suffer emotional and physical problems after retirement. Too often seniors become sedentary and even reclusive. An ideal way for seniors to stay active and avoid many health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle is to volunteer their time in community service.
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Social Benefits
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Helping others through community service helps build self-esteem and give the retired person a sense of purpose. The community benefits from the increased social engagement of senior citizens by drawing on their experience and knowledge.
Physical Health
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Senior citizens who engage in community volunteer services tend to live longer and enjoy healthier lives than those who do not, according to the Senior Corps website. Increased physical activity helps senior citizens avoid health issues related to inactivity such as obesity and illnesses that result from obesity. Community service opportunities that encourage physical activity include planting and maintaining a community garden, volunteering at schools and day care centers and delivering meals to home-bound individuals. By becoming engaged in community service, senior citizens are more likely to maintain their personal hygiene and eat more healthy meals.
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Emotional Health
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When older people retire, they may lose contact with friends and co-workers. Unless a senior citizen has a reason to interact with other people, she may grow reclusive and begin to avoid interacting with others. Senior citizens who engage in community service are more apt to make new friends and to have a sense of purpose. Seniors involved in community service tend to be less bored and express greater satisfaction with the quality of their lives. Senior citizens with a specialized skill can share their expertise with the community, which boosts their self esteem. Neighborhood watch programs, tutoring or mentoring youth, teaching English and helping victims of natural disasters are effective ways for seniors to give back to their communities.
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References
- Photo Credit elderly men enjoying life during pension image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
