Older Americans Month
Brought to you by Senior Extra at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte & Punta Gorda
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL (May 19, 2014) - May is Older Americans Month — a time to recognize the vitality, contributions and achievements of older adults — and this year’s theme is Safe Today. Healthy Tomorrow. The theme focuses on injury prevention and safety to encourage older adults to protect themselves and remain active and independent for as long as possible.
“Volunteering is a great way for older adults to stay active physically, mentally and socially,” said Melissa Sanders-McCartney, director of Marketing, Public Relations & Volunteers at Bayfront Health Punta Gorda, "which contribute to a healthier, happier lifestyle.”
Your successes, failures, celebrations and struggles have given you wisdom, knowledge and valuable life experience. That experience is precious and gives you the ability to make a difference by volunteering in your community. Bayfront Health Port Charlotte & Punta Gorda’s Senior Extra program has some suggestions to help you get started.
Why volunteer?
Volunteering not only feels good, it’s actually good for you. A study by the Corporation for National and Community Service found a significant connection between volunteering and good health. The report showed volunteers have greater longevity, higher functional ability, lower rates of depression, and a lower incidence of heart disease. Volunteering also gives you an opportunity to:
- Learn something new. You can learn new skills, gain knowledge, and discover new interests and activities.
- Be part of your community. There’s no better way to be part of your community than by giving back. Volunteering allows you to positively impact the well-being of those in your community, and ultimately make it a better place to live.
- Do what you love. It’s never too late to realize your dreams. Wish you were an artist? Volunteer at an art school or organization. Love animals? Volunteer at an animal shelter. Always wanted to be a teacher? Volunteer as a tutor or instructor. Wherever your interests lie, there’s an opportunity to do what you love as a volunteer.
- Connect with others. Volunteering can introduce you to a wide variety of people from different backgrounds. It can expand your circle of friends, make you feel part of a team, and give you a better understanding of those around you.
- Feel a sense of accomplishment. Giving back feels good and gives you a sense of fulfillment, confidence and purpose. Volunteering offers all this and much more.
“Depression and loneliness can be a problem for older adults,” said Marti Van Veen, System Director of Marketing & Business Development at Bayfront Port Charlotte, “and volunteering is a great way for seniors to stay engaged with others and feel good about themselves.”
Getting started
There are a range of volunteer opportunities for seniors to share their unique talents and make a valuable contribution. These are just a few organizations that can connect you with volunteer opportunities:
- Volunteer at your local hospital by calling Bayfront Health Port Charlotte at 941-766-4122 or Bayfront Health Punta Gorda at 941-639-3131.
- The Department of Health and Human Services Eldercare Locator offers national and international volunteer opportunities and resources.
- Organizations such as AARP and the Age4Action Network provide volunteer opportunities and resources for people age 50 and older.
- VolunteerMatch allows you to search by your location and interests for opportunities at a wide range of organizations across the country.
- Points of Light provides access to tools, resources and volunteer opportunities.
- The Meals On Wheels program provides meals to homebound seniors, offering a variety of roles for volunteers.
So, what’s stopping you from unleashing your own power during Older Americans Month? Get started today and make a difference in your life, and in the lives of others.
