As we reach the end of Older Americans month, All About Seniors wants to thank its seniors for continuing to be involved in the community through volunteer work. One in 4 older Americans makes a positive impact through volunteering.

Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the lives of community members. Older Americans are involved in community service in higher numbers than ever before. Beyond helping the people are you, being involved in the community is mutually beneficial. It’s never too late to give back!

Tips for Getting Involved

– Schedule service that fits your lifestyle and determine how much time you want to give. Whether you like to be out and about early or take the late shift, there is something for you. 10-20 hours per week is typical.

– Find the right opportunities by discovering your interests and skills. Need inspiration? Visit http://serve.gov or All About Seniors’ own volunteer page.

– If you have trouble finding the right opportunity, you can create your own volunteer project.

– If you want to help others more informally, think about driving neighbors to appointments, babysitting for working parents, or tutoring kids in your neighborhood.

Tip: Ask friends and family to join you, or check with other adults in your community.

There are so many benefits to volunteering. Here are just a few:

– Volunteering can lead to improved physical and mental health

– Older volunteers report greater life satisfaction than non-volunteers

– New relationships and making a difference provide a greater sense of purpose

– Research suggests that those who volunteer are more likely to live longer