Volunteers - The Heart and Soul of ARDC

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and we know at ARDC without our volunteers we couldn't do what we do!  Without the dedication, compassion, and generosity of our volunteers ARDC wouldn't be able to serve our older adults. No words will ever express our appreciation and gratitude to our volunteers as the countless acts of kindness they've shown to our older adults have been life changing for so many.
 
Did you know there are many wonderful benefits to volunteering? Multiple studies have shown that volunteers, especially older adults, experience physical and mental perks. An article published by Mayo Clinic Health Systems in 2021 reported that;

"Volunteer activities keep people moving and thinking at the same time. Research has found that volunteering among adults aged 60 and over benefits physical and mental health, and volunteers report better physical health than non-volunteers. Research also has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for people 65 and older."

Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive and relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine. Volunteers report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation by spending time and service to others which can have a stress-reducing effect. Reduced stress can decrease the risk of physical and mental health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, and general illness. In addition, a Longitudinal Study of Aging found that volunteers have lower mortality rates than those who don't, even when controlling for age, gender, and physical health.
 
Though we will never be able to "repay" our volunteers adequately for their thoughtful deeds, it is gratifying to know that their generosity of spirit and time does not go unrewarded. Thank you to our many wonderful volunteers (past, present, and future) for all that you do to support our older adults!

Author

Sarah Piquard - ARDC Volunteer Coordinator