Why Giving Back Helps You Thrive
Retirement often brings something people wish for during their working years: more time. The question becomes how to use that time in a way that feels meaningful. For many older adults, the answer is volunteering. Giving back offers structure, connection, and a sense of purpose, and research suggests it can also support better health and well-being.
At Sierra Winds, residents often say that volunteering adds energy and joy to their days. Whether it is helping a neighbor, supporting a local nonprofit, or serving on a resident committee, volunteering is a powerful way to stay engaged in retirement.
Why Purpose Matters As You Age
Purpose is more than a nice idea. It is an important ingredient in healthy aging. The National Institute on Aging notes that staying socially and mentally active is associated with better physical health and emotional well-being in later life. In one large study of more than 3,000 older adults, people who made new social contacts reported higher physical and psychological well-being than those who did not.
Recent research also suggests that having a clear sense of purpose may help protect against cognitive decline. A long-term study of more than 13,000 adults found that participants who reported a higher sense of purpose in life were significantly less likely to develop cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
Volunteering is one of the simplest ways to tap into that sense of purpose. It allows you to use your skills, share your experiences, and see the impact of your efforts in real time.
Health Benefits of Volunteering in Retirement
1. Better Heart Health
Physical health and giving back are linked more closely than many people realize. A study from Carnegie Mellon University followed older adults who volunteered at least 200 hours per year. Researchers found that these volunteers had a 40 percent lower risk of developing high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease, compared with non-volunteers.
You do not have to do strenuous activity to see benefits. Simply moving more, getting out of the house, and staying engaged can support healthier routines.
2. More Happiness and Life Satisfaction
Several studies connect volunteering with higher life satisfaction and self-esteem in older adults. A recent study of older volunteers found that people who were actively engaged in formal volunteering reported greater happiness and self-esteem than those who did not volunteer.
Helping others creates a sense of contribution and belonging. Many volunteers say that the people they meet and the friendships they build are just as rewarding as the work itself.
3. Support for Brain Health
Staying mentally active is good for your brain. The Mayo Clinic reports that participating in mentally stimulating activities can help reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment, especially when people engage in several different types of activities over time.
Many volunteer roles provide natural brain exercise. Planning events, solving problems, learning new systems, or mentoring others all ask your brain to stay flexible and engaged.
Ways to Volunteer Without Leaving Sierra Winds
You do not always need to go off campus to make a difference. Residents at Sierra Winds find meaningful ways to contribute within the community itself. Examples include:
- Serving on resident committees that help shape activities and community life
- Welcoming new residents and helping them learn their way around
- Supporting the library, puzzle room, or arts and crafts spaces
- Organizing small groups for games, discussion, or hobbies
- Offering informal “neighbor helping neighbor” support
These opportunities bring people together and help make Sierra Winds feel like a close-knit village.
Volunteering in the West Valley
If you enjoy getting involved beyond the campus, the greater Peoria and Sun Cities area offers many ways to serve.
- Area Agency on Aging, Region One: Volunteers support programs such as friendly visiting, food delivery, benefits counseling, and technology coaching for older adults in the region.
- Benevilla: This West Valley nonprofit provides day programs, caregiver support, and community services, and it welcomes volunteers for a variety of roles.
- Banner Health and local hospitals: Banner Health offers hospital and community volunteer roles and works to match interests and abilities with specific placements.
For those who prefer to help from home or want to find opportunities based on personal interests, AARP’s Create the Good platform allows older adults to search for local and remote volunteer projects.
How to Find the Right Volunteer Fit
If you are just getting started, it can help to think about what makes you feel energized and comfortable. Ask yourself:
- Do I prefer one-on-one connections or group activities?
- Would I rather be behind the scenes or out front greeting people?
- How many hours per week or month feel realistic?
- Do I want to use skills from my past career or try something completely new?
There is no single “right” way to volunteer. Some residents love ongoing commitments. Others prefer short projects or seasonal events. The key is finding something that feels enjoyable and sustainable.
If you live at Sierra Winds, staff can help you identify opportunities on campus or in the surrounding community that match your interests, mobility, and schedule.
Volunteering as Part of Whole-Person Wellness
At Sierra Winds, volunteering fits naturally into a broader approach to wellness. The community’s focus on the 8 Dimensions of Wellness helps residents nurture physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health. Volunteer work touches many of these areas at once:
- Physical: Moving more and maintaining a routine
- Social: Building friendships and contributing to the community
- Intellectual: Learning new tasks and solving problems
- Emotional: Experiencing purpose, gratitude, and satisfaction
That is one reason many residents say volunteering is as good for them as it is for the people they serve.
Ready to Explore Volunteering in Retirement?
Volunteering is not just about filling time. It is about feeling useful, staying connected, and continuing to grow. For many older adults, especially those living in a Life Plan Community, it becomes a favorite part of retirement.
If you would like to see how residents at Sierra Winds stay engaged and purpose-driven, we invite you to contact us or schedule a visit. Explore our programs, meet residents, and discover how you can shape your own meaningful next chapter.