More than a good deed: How volunteering keeps us connected, active and fulfilled

My parents taught me early on that volunteering wasn’t just a good thing to do — it was a vital and expected part of life, not only because caring for others is a deeply rooted Jewish value, but because giving back is a valuable way to learn and enriches our own lives in return. Volunteering is a powerful means of connecting with our community, and we often get much more than we give.

Volunteering can be particularly beneficial for older adults as a way to foster healthy aging. Staying physically active and mentally engaged becomes increasingly important as we grow older, and volunteering offers an easy, enjoyable opportunity to do both.

As we age, maintaining physical health is essential to prevent falls and reduce the risk of chronic illness. Volunteering can be a meaningful way to stay active, often involving the kind of regular, low-impact movement that keeps our bodies healthy. Research from Carnegie Mellon University and studies published in the Journal of Gerontology show that older adults who volunteer regularly reduce their risk of high blood pressure, have fewer instances of cardiovascular disease and experience better physical functioning, including a delayed progression of physical disability. Therefore, volunteering isn’t just good for the soul — it’s good for the body, too.

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The benefits of volunteering extend well beyond maintaining physical health. Research in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows that adults over age 50 who volunteer more than 100 hours per year experience fewer physical limitations, increased physical activity, and many improved psychological and social well-being outcomes, including reduced rates of depressive symptoms and loneliness. Other research from the Journal of Gerontology linked formal volunteering with higher levels of cognitive functioning, particularly in the areas of working memory and processing.

Volunteering also provides important emotional support for the challenges that naturally come with aging. Whether coping with the loss of a spouse or friends, moving to be closer to children and grandchildren, or adjusting to new routines, many older adults face periods of grief and loneliness. Fortunately, studies show that staying engaged through volunteering can alleviate some of those feelings. Research from the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that seniors who volunteer are less likely to experience depression. Similarly, another study from the Gerontological Society of America revealed that widowed individuals who began volunteering two or more hours per week experienced such a significant reduction in feelings of loneliness that their levels matched those of married volunteers.

Volunteering is a meaningful way to spend time and a wonderful opportunity to meet new people. It can create structure for the day, offer a sense of purpose and provide something to look forward to. Volunteering can be deeply fulfilling, especially during times when health challenges or loss of independence can make life feel uncertain. By caring for others instead of being cared for, individuals are reminded that they still have much to give and their efforts can make a difference.

Volunteering also indirectly assists organizations financially, allowing them to maximize their resources and expand their impact. In the U.S., the value of hours donated by formal volunteers in 2021 was estimated at over $122 billion. Volunteers help nonprofits’ funding go further, allowing them to provide more goods and services. For example, while a volunteer sits with a hospice patient and offers companionship, a hospice nurse is available to focus on clinical care and see other patients.

With endless opportunities available, there is no doubt that organizations can find a role that aligns with your skills and interests while meeting the needs of those they serve.

Volunteering is not just something seniors can do; it is an activity that can help them thrive. It strengthens the body and the soul, stimulates the mind and connects the heart to the community. Supported by extensive research and countless real-life examples, seniors can make a real difference and our nonprofit organizations can benefit from their experiences.

Ultimately, despite the many personal rewards we gain from volunteering, we do not do it for ourselves. We volunteer because we care about the organizations we support, the causes they advocate for and the people they serve. For older adults, volunteering offers a lifeline to better health, deeper purpose and a meaningful community connection. It’s never too late to give back, and in doing so, to get something invaluable in return. PJC

Sharyn Rubin, MEd, is the director of resident and community services at the Jewish Association on Aging. Those interested in volunteering at the JAA can call 412-521-1171, email srubin@jaapgh.org, or visit jaapgh.org/volunteer.