Singapore

Volunteering can improve the quality of life for seniors

Image Credits: UnsplashImage Credits: Unsplash
  • Volunteering reduces stress, lowers the risk of depression, and improves physical health.
  • It helps seniors build new friendships and reconnect with loved ones, reducing social isolation.
  • Volunteering provides a renewed sense of purpose, enhancing self-worth and motivation.

Volunteering is often seen as a noble endeavor that benefits communities, but its impact on the volunteers themselves, particularly seniors, is profound. A recent survey conducted in Singapore highlights that seniors who volunteer experience a significantly better quality of life. This article delves into the various benefits of senior volunteerism, supported by insights from multiple studies and expert opinions.

Improved Mental Health

One of the most significant benefits of volunteering for seniors is the positive impact on mental health. According to the survey, seniors who volunteer are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. This is corroborated by research from the Mayo Clinic, which states that volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine. The act of helping others provides a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem, which are crucial for mental well-being.

Enhanced Physical Health

Volunteering also contributes to better physical health. Activities such as meal packing, making food deliveries, or even participating in community clean-ups keep seniors physically active without putting undue strain on their bodies. The Mayo Clinic notes that volunteers report better physical health than non-volunteers, with lower rates of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, a study published by the National Institutes of Health found that seniors who volunteer for at least 100 hours a year have a reduced risk of mortality and functional decline.

Stronger Social Connections

Social isolation is a common issue among older adults, leading to feelings of loneliness and depression. Volunteering offers a solution by fostering social interactions and building a support system based on shared interests. The VANTAGE Aging blog highlights that volunteering helps seniors meet new friends and reconnect with loved ones, thereby reducing the risk of social isolation. This is echoed by the Mayo Clinic, which emphasizes that volunteering nurtures new and existing relationships, expanding social networks and improving social skills.

Renewed Sense of Purpose

As people age, they often struggle with a loss of purpose, especially after retirement. Volunteering provides a renewed sense of purpose and direction. Seniors who engage in volunteer activities feel more accomplished and motivated to set and achieve new goals. The TOUCH Community Services article points out that being proactive in the community enhances self-worth and motivates seniors to continue making positive changes. This sense of purpose is vital for emotional and psychological health.

Bridging the Generation Gap

Volunteering also offers an opportunity for intergenerational interaction. Seniors can share their life experiences and wisdom with younger generations, while also learning new perspectives and skills from them. This exchange fosters mutual respect and understanding, bridging the generation gap. The VANTAGE Aging blog mentions that such interactions can be enriching for both seniors and younger individuals, promoting a sense of community and shared purpose.

Learning New Skills and Engaging Old Interests

Volunteering allows seniors to revisit old hobbies and learn new skills. Whether it's teaching at a youth center, participating in art projects, or engaging in community gardening, there are numerous opportunities for seniors to stay mentally and physically active. This not only keeps life interesting but also helps in maintaining cognitive functions. The National Institutes of Health study found that volunteering is associated with higher physical activity and better self-rated health among seniors.


Read More

Economy Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyAugust 3, 2025 at 6:30:00 PM

Muslim-friendly travel platform revamped offerings with enticing new packages

Travel is changing—not just in where people go, but in how they move, what they value, and how they choose to experience the...

Housing Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
HousingAugust 3, 2025 at 6:30:00 PM

Senate housing bill targets affordability boost—what it means for renters and buyers

In the midst of the United States' ongoing housing affordability crisis, a new bipartisan bill is quietly advancing through the Senate with the...

Culture Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
CultureAugust 3, 2025 at 6:30:00 PM

How to handle over-talkers at work—without crushing their voice

Every team has one. The person who always has something to say. Who jumps into every discussion thread. Who extends meetings by fifteen...

Health & Wellness Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
Health & WellnessAugust 2, 2025 at 1:00:00 PM

What the Star of Life symbol on ambulances really means

It’s easy to overlook. You’re in traffic, shifting lanes to let an ambulance pass, and the moment feels purely functional: make space, wait...

In Trend Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
In TrendAugust 2, 2025 at 1:00:00 PM

Why working in the dark boosts creativity for some people

It begins quietly. The world slows. The room empties of sound. Maybe it’s just past midnight, or maybe dawn hasn’t broken yet. Either...

Health & Wellness Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
Health & WellnessAugust 2, 2025 at 1:00:00 PM

Why fast walking for 15 minutes a day could help you live longer

Walking is often overlooked because it feels too basic. Too soft. Too common. People associate health gains with sweat, soreness, or structured workouts....

Culture Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
CultureAugust 2, 2025 at 1:30:00 AM

How to build truly inclusive teams in a hybrid work environment

Inclusion doesn’t fail because people don’t care. It fails because leaders don’t design for it. Especially in hybrid teams, where presence is split...

Health & Wellness Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
Health & WellnessAugust 2, 2025 at 1:30:00 AM

These simple habits could help keep your brain sharp, according to science

Memory doesn’t decline overnight. It unravels. One habit missed here. One shortcut taken there. Over time, the system designed to protect cognition weakens—not...

Financial Planning Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
Financial PlanningAugust 2, 2025 at 1:30:00 AM

How pre-K and career advancement for parents are connected

For millions of working parents, the preschool years are less about early childhood enrichment and more about one stark question: how do I...

Adulting Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
AdultingAugust 2, 2025 at 1:30:00 AM

How conservative women are creating their own version of ‘having it all’

She bakes bread and manages a Shopify storefront. She runs a household of four children while writing a Substack column on parenting. She...

Leadership Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
LeadershipAugust 2, 2025 at 1:00:00 AM

Why looking like a leader isn’t the same as leading

We were two months into our seed raise when I realised I was rehearsing my facial expressions before every Zoom call. I’d tilt...

Loans Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
LoansAugust 2, 2025 at 1:00:00 AM

The student loan SAVE pause has ended. Now what?

The end of the student loan SAVE pause isn’t just a policy footnote—it’s a financial inflection point. For millions of borrowers, this signals...

Load More