“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”
— Fred Rogers (a.k.a., Mr. Rogers)
There is no shortage of distressing headlines today, from pandemic updates to natural disasters and political unrest. Still, Mr. Rogers’ words remind us that good people are always doing good things. Volunteering is one clear way to create positive change, and many opportunities now exist to help safely, including virtual options that limit in-person contact. Beyond the social value, studies show volunteering can also improve seniors’ health in several measurable ways.
Volunteering can help your health
Researchers have examined links between volunteering and health for decades. A 2009 review combining multiple studies, including a 20-year longitudinal project of nearly 7,000 adults, found that people who engaged in environmental volunteer work reported higher physical activity, better overall health, and fewer depressive symptoms than non-volunteers. Environmental volunteers were 2.6 times more likely to meet CDC physical activity guidelines, and volunteers in general were 1.8 times more likely to reach those recommendations.
Other research highlights additional benefits for older adults that go beyond increased activity and mood improvement.
Lower risk of cognitive decline
A 2014 critical review of over 70 peer-reviewed articles concluded that volunteering in later life is associated with psychosocial, physical, cognitive, and functional benefits among healthy older adults. The review suggested that more hours of volunteer work may provide even greater protective effects against age-related cognitive decline.
Lower blood pressure
A 2016 study explored how altruistic behavior affects blood pressure in people 65 and older. Participants with hypertension were given money either to spend on themselves or to spend on others. Those who spent the funds on others showed reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with the control group. The size of the effect was similar to what might be expected from blood pressure medication or regular exercise.
Greater happiness
Volunteering and acts of kindness can also boost happiness. Research on well-being suggests that a substantial portion of our perceived happiness—around 40 percent—comes from intentional activities: the choices we make about how to spend our time. Studies have found that kindness can raise self-reported happiness in a matter of days, and sustained volunteer engagement helps maintain better mood over time.
How CCRCs and retirement communities support volunteering
Seniors have many ways to contribute, and many retirement communities and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) actively organize opportunities. Intergenerational programs, community gardening, tutoring, mentoring, and local outreach are common offerings that provide meaningful interaction and health benefits for both participants and recipients.
During the pandemic, many of these activities have adapted to preserve safety. Remote mentoring and tutoring can be done via video calls, while outdoor activities like gardening allow for natural distancing and fresh air. CCRCs often coordinate a wide range of volunteer options—educational, cultural, environmental, civic, and health-related—so residents can choose causes that fit their interests and abilities.
Simple ways to practice kindness
There are many ways to get started with volunteerism or everyday acts of generosity. Virtual volunteering, phone check-ins for isolated neighbors, letter-writing, remote tutoring, and outdoor community projects are a few examples that can be done safely. Small, intentional acts—whether performed in a formal program or informally—can improve the well-being of others while offering measurable benefits to the giver.
Kindness matters. Whether through established community programs or simple daily gestures, contributing time and energy to help others supports stronger social connections, better mental and physical health, and a greater sense of purpose in later life.