Expressing gratitude goes hand in hand with the winter holidays — we start the season, after all, with a celebration of Thanksgiving. Giving back over the holidays has a long tradition, and seniors are often at the forefront of volunteering. 55 and older communities are a fantastic resource, filled with people who have spent decades developing skills and knowledge that can help others.
Volunteering for seniors offers numerous benefits, including greater opportunities for socialization, less stress, lower risk of depression, and an increased sense of purpose. Studies also link volunteering with better overall health and lower blood pressure.
Giving back doesn’t require a full-time commitment; even small acts can have a significant impact. Here are some accessible, practical ideas for giving back over the holidays — or year-round.
Neighborhood Support
Overture 55+ communities often include seniors who live alone. Check in on your single neighbors to brighten their spirits and remind them they’re part of a vibrant community. When neighbors fall ill, organize a group to deliver homemade soups and meals so they don't have to cook. We all need a little help when we’re sick.
These same tactics help people in the local community outside Overture Apartments. Work with local groups to check in on seniors and shut-ins or help local veterans readjust to civilian life. People who are lonely over the holiday season really appreciate the company.
Putting Your Skills to Good Use
Giving back during the holidays can be as simple as sharing your hobbies and skills. If you knit, you can make hats and blankets for shelters, hospitals, and local nonprofits. Got a knack for working with dogs? Help train strays at your local animal shelter and increase their chances of adoption. Carpenters and DIY enthusiasts often help local charities and organizations renovate their spaces.
Your knowledge also helps. You may have had a career in legal or administrative, developing skills that could help others or nonprofit organizations. Seniors who speak another language could offer courses at community centers (or use their language skills to help those who speak English as a second language).
Intergenerational Volunteering for Seniors
Many seniors enjoy helping the younger generation. Teach kids how to budget, garden, build a birdhouse, and play chess — if you know how to do it, there's a kid who wants to learn. Libraries are an excellent place to volunteer; you can arrange to read to children, run classes for kids, or just be available for kids who want to talk.
Organizations like the Foster Grandparent Program connect people 55+ with children and teens with special needs. As a Foster Grandparent, you serve as a mentor, tutor, and friend to children who need the support and wisdom of an adult.
Technology and Volunteering
Thanks to videoconferencing, seniors can now share their life skills and mentor children over video calls. You can provide support and teach skills to children or adults across the country, or indeed the world. You can also volunteer virtually with nonprofit organizations by performing administrative tasks such as data entry or transcription.
If you’re tech-savvy, why not help other seniors who are less comfortable with technology? Help other residents in Overture 55+ communities set up their tablets, access telehealth, set up a smart television, or learn how to use video chat platforms. Again, there’s a demand for this type of volunteering in the larger community as well.
Volunteering for seniors isn't just about giving back during the holidays. For many, it's a year-round passion that brings the satisfaction of helping others. Volunteering is a part of many Overture 55+ communities, so get out there, find a cause that speaks to you, and reap the benefits of gratitude!