Volunteerism - Age 65+ in California

California

After retirement, some older adults may choose to spend their free time volunteering. Volunteering not only provides a service to the community, but can also offer volunteers themselves opportunities for positive social interactions, increased social support and a sense of meaning and purpose during retirement. 

Many volunteer opportunities involve active mental and physical engagement, socialization and learning, all of which are good for cognitive function. There is emerging evidence that older adults who volunteer regularly have fewer cognitive complaints and a lower risk for dementia compared with those who do not volunteer regularly. Other improved health outcomes among older adults who volunteer include:

• Reduced symptoms of depression.
• Better self-reported health.
• Fewer functional limitations.
• Lower mortality rates.

AmeriCorps, a federal agency that engages people in volunteer work, has found that older volunteers experience decreased depression, anxiety and feelings of loneliness. More than 80% of participants in the AmeriCorps Seniors program report that volunteering helped improve their health after one year of service. 

While many older adults show an interest in volunteering, some face barriers that prevent them from doing so. Common barriers include lack of transportation, lack of information about volunteer opportunities, mobility issues and other health problems. External factors such as religion may also influence who volunteers as an older adult.

Populations of older adults more likely to volunteer include:

• White older adults compared with Black older adults, who face more significant and complex barriers to volunteering from disadvantaged neighborhood environments, lack of economic resources and other forms of structural inequity.
• Those with higher levels of education.
• Low-income senior housing residents compared with low-income older adults not living in senior housing. Senior housing environments can foster a culture of volunteerism that positively impacts engagement.

The AARP website has resources for finding volunteer opportunities in your area based on interest. Strategies to encourage older adults to participate in volunteer activities include emphasizing the social aspect of volunteering, collaborating with senior organizations to promote opportunities and addressing transportation barriers by providing transportation assistance.

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