Tis the Season of Giving: Benefits of Volunteering for Seniors
This time of year is known as the season of giving, but this can mean so much more than finding and giving the perfect gifts to family members and friends. This could mean giving our time, volunteering, and getting involved in our communities to help those in need or support a good cause.
Volunteering is a big part of the Uplands Village lifestyle – both during the holiday season and all year round. To help get into the holiday spirit and the season of giving, our team and residents are sharing the benefits of volunteering as well as the volunteer opportunities available at our retirement living community in Pleasant Hill, Tennessee.
Why Volunteer?
Prevents Social Isolation and Loneliness
Socialization is important for all of us as it enhances cognitive functioning, reduces stress, and encourages physical activity. While moving to a retirement living community like Uplands Village is a good start for staying socially engaged, volunteering presents even more opportunities for individuals to socialize and connect with others.
Cindy S., one of our Uplands Village residents, shared, “During the holidays, I have hosted dinners for people who did not have family visiting. It was enjoyable to share a festive dinner with Uplands neighbors.” She went on to say, “I volunteer because I want to stay active and engage with people who also want to make this world a more loving and peaceful place.”
Provides a Feeling of Purpose
Once we enter retirement, it can sometimes be challenging to discover purpose. Our children have grown up, and we are no longer trying to further our careers, so now is the time to find can help do just that.
Another Uplands Village resident shared, “volunteering gives our lives purpose and gives us joy to see the happiness it gives to those in need.”
Promotes Physical Activity
Staying active is crucial for healthy aging, and volunteering is a great way to encourage physical activity. No matter what type of volunteering you are doing, whether helping to distribute meals in our Wellness Center, leading a meditation group, or helping us maintain the benches and bridges on our walking trails, you are moving your body.
Uplands Village resident, Tom M., volunteers in his spare time by applying stain to all of the benches and bridges on our trails. He says, “as I age, I know that range of motion is important to maintain, so bending and stretching while applying stain is good for me. Yes, I know I can do that in the gym and pool. Both of these can get dull so having a third option is great.”
Cindy S. added, “I lead a meditation group on Monday afternoons; we usually have about eight people meditating with us.”
Volunteer Opportunities at Uplands Village
At Uplands Village, advocacy and volunteerism are vital to our way of life. Our residents have made wonderful contributions of talent and time to the Cumberland County community at large and other members of our Uplands Village family.
Residents of Uplands Village often volunteer in our healthcare neighborhoods, spending time with residents of Wharton Homes and Fletcher House. In addition, they have founded area organizations, served on local boards, become active in projects that nourish the spirit and bring joy to others, and volunteered in numerous ways.
Some of their advocacy efforts include:
- Co-founding the Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity
- Founding the Pleasant Hill Historical Society of the Cumberlands
- Serving on the Pleasant Hill City Council
- Starting the Cumberland County Recycling Program
- Tutoring and mentoring Pleasant Hill school students
- Volunteering with Adopt-a-Highway and Hospice of Cumberland County, among countless other organizations
The spirit of volunteerism starts within our own village. Our residents champion and participate in community empowerment initiatives, food banks, rural health clinics, and much more.
Volunteering can look different for everyone. There are many opportunities for you to get involved in a way that suits your comfort level, personality, interests, and skill set. Additionally, volunteering can have a positive impact on your life as well as those you are serving.
To learn more about our retirement living community in Pleasant Hill, Tennessee, and the volunteer opportunities available, visit our website or contact a member of the Uplands Village team.