By Richard Bray

Did you know that people age 50 and older volunteer more than any other age group? In addition to supporting your favorite charity with gifts of finances, clothing or food donations, and that old car, sharing your very best gift — your time and talent– is probably the greatest gift you can give to our community. These are among the many benefits volunteering can give you.

Social

It can be difficult for some to have regular social contact in later years. Volunteering provides a regular opportunity to meet people and be connected to the larger community.

Personal fulfillment

Most of us want to be part of something larger than ourselves. Using your talents, developed over a lifetime, can bring satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. You’ve worked hard to develop them so don’t let them go to waste.

Better health

Studies have shown that people who volunteer tend to have better health. While I cannot guarantee your aches and pains will go away, volunteering seems to help people be more physically active and improves mental health.

Spiritual growth

Many people of religious faith find volunteering deepens their spirituality. Such service to others is considered a gift back to their Creator in gratitude for the blessings of life.

New experience

Volunteering can give you new experiences, too. You may want to try to learn a new skill or meet a person from a completely different background from yourself. Take a risk and be open to something new. It may be life-changing for you.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul involves volunteers of all ages, but especially people who are over 50 because they often have a little more time and a lot of talent from their life experiences. Family responsibilities may have lessened, too.

Some of our volunteers answer calls from people in need while others make home visits to neighbors that call for assistance or advice. Still others collect food or clothing, help with our food distribution programs or in our thrift stores. Together they bring critically needed assistance to people who are at risk of no food, losing their home, having utilities shut off, or numerous other difficulties. This past year more than 700 St. Vincent de Paul volunteers gave more than 88,000 hours of compassionate service to help neighbors in need.

Volunteering gives a great sense of purpose during your senior years. As you can see, there are so many benefits from giving of yourself. Contact a nonprofit whose mission you feel passionate about. We are waiting for your call.