Make 2020 count! Volunteer for Age Concern!

MAKE 2020 COUNT! VOLUNTEER…

It’s that wonderful time of year again when we lay on the guilt, and make all the European parents out there look like amateurs! No, we’re kidding, we just want to raise some awareness and show you the benefits of volunteering in 2020.

In all honesty, we all want to give back at some point, but simply can’t find the time to do it. As each year comes to a close, there are many of us who think “this is it! This is the year I give back to my community.”

And right now? You’re the one’s we are targeting with this lovely, feel-good, call to action article.

Here’s the bottom line, volunteering your time and energy helps strengthen communities, and right now, our elderly via Age Concern Marbella & San Pedro, can certainly use your help.

Allow us to lay on the guilt just a wee bit, then we promise to stop – do you want to know who is helping our elderly in Marbella and San Pedro, across most of the Costa del Sol? The elderly, that’s who. Yes, other old people are helping old people, we can’t make this clearer.

We’ve already stated that volunteering helps strengthen communities, but did you know it has important emotional and physical benefits as well?

Volunteering has more rewards then you can possibly imagine, the feelings involved burst with pride, you help someone smile, you make someone’s entire day, and you can learn so much!

We’ve narrowed the list down of benefits and hope you take the time to read them. Age Concern Marbella needs your help, even for just a few hours. All the information you need is on our website:

https://ageconcernmarbella.com/get-involved/

Here are the five top reasons, to make 2020 the year you make a difference!

1. Helps bridge generation gap.

By interacting with younger generations, seniors are able to share important life lessons. On the flip side, younger generations are able to teach seniors new ways of looking at life. By building a connection with each other both generations are able to offer the respect and affirmation that humans crave.

2. Reduce the risk of dementia

A study conducted by a University of Calgary psychology professor found that people who did volunteer work for at least one hour a week on a regular basis were 2.44 times less likely to develop dementia than the seniors who didn’t volunteer.

The study also says that the volunteer activity has to benefit others who are not your core family. For example, helping out a church, a school, a library a homeless shelter or some sort of charity organization.

3. It’s good for mental health.

Volunteering keeps the brain active, which contributes to a person’s cognitive health. The National Institute on Aging reported that participating in activities that are meaningful and productive may lower the risk of dementia and other health problems in seniors.

4. Helps prevent senior isolation and depression.

Whilst getting out of the house is important at any age, research found that volunteering can have positive effects on a person’s psychological health. In a study done by the Corporation for National and Community Service, researchers found that individuals who engaged in volunteering activities experienced a shorter course of depression than those who did not volunteer. Volunteering provides the senior with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

5. It promotes physical activity.

Physical activity remains an important role in positive health outcomes through the oldest ages. Whether that activity is helping with a local sports team or walking around your neighbourhood while volunteering as a companion, maintaining a healthy level of fitness helps fend off diseases as you age.

If you should decide to spend your time volunteering, it’s important to look for opportunities that fit into your schedule. Many people in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s find activities that are a flexible fit into their schedule. Other people are able to volunteer 20 hours a week and still have plenty of time to partake in other activities.

Find an activity you’re passionate about. Volunteering is best for all parties involved when you are doing something you enjoy. It’s never too late to get started. Whether you just retired or are in your later years there is an opportunity out there for you.

Make 2020 count! The New Year means and New Slate – Age Concern needs your help, and there are plenty of things you can do to help us as well! Please browse through our website and see what’s involved.

ALL THE BEST IN THE NEW YEAR!