How seniors can get involved in volunteering during Community Champions Week

Community Champions Week, led each year by Meals on Wheels America, celebrates the anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program. It highlights how important volunteers are in helping seniors. As more seniors need meal services, this event aims to get the community, especially older adults, involved in volunteering.

Meals on Wheels America helps over 5,000 local programs all over the country, providing vital services to more than two million seniors each year. But, with costs rising and funds limited, many providers can’t keep up with the demand, leaving long waiting lists. During this year’s Community Champions Week, Meals on Wheels hopes to attract more volunteers to help fix these challenges, ensuring older adults get the meals and support they need.

Senior volunteers are essential for keeping the Meals on Wheels network going. Many programs ask them to help by delivering meals, offering companionship, or doing office work. Volunteering not only helps those who get the services but also gives older volunteers a sense of purpose and keeps them socially active in their communities.

How volunteering benefits seniors and communities

The importance of senior volunteers goes beyond just meal deliveries. Many older adults involved in Meals on Wheels programs build strong friendships with the seniors they help, reducing feelings of loneliness for both. Volunteers often become a crucial support for homebound seniors, offering social interaction that is as important as the meals. This personal connection can boost emotional well-being and mental health, highlighting the essential role volunteers play in boosting community ties.

Research from the shows that volunteering can reduce depression and slow cognitive decline in older adults. Seniors who volunteer often feel happier, healthier, and more purposeful. It’s also noted that older adults who volunteered at least 100 hours yearly felt more positive and less stressed.

Beyond personal benefits, volunteering helps build stronger communities. Senior volunteers bring years of experience that they can share with younger generations. Programs that connect different ages have been successful in creating friendships and sharing knowledge. Programs like AmeriCorps Seniors, including the Foster Grandparent Program and the Senior Companion Program, offer structured ways for seniors to volunteer their time and skills.

Expanding volunteer opportunities for older adults

While meal delivery programs like Meals on Wheels are well-known volunteer options for seniors, there are many other programs that encourage staying involved in the community. Some seniors choose to mentor or tutor children, while others help nonprofit organizations with tasks like office work, fundraising, or reaching out to the community.

Technology has opened up even more opportunities for seniors to volunteer. Virtual volunteering is becoming popular, allowing older adults to help out from home. Examples include tutoring students online, counseling through hotlines, and helping nonprofits with office support. These options are perfect for seniors who might have trouble getting around but still want to make a difference.

Other organizations looking for senior volunteers include:

AARP Foundation: Offers programs that assist seniors with food, housing, and financial security.

Habitat for Humanity: Lets seniors help build homes or work at Habitat ReStores.

National Park Service Volunteers-in-Parks (VIP) Program: Allows seniors to work as park guides, give educational talks, or help preserve our parks.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: Pairs senior mentors with young people who need guidance.

Local community centers, faith-based groups, and libraries are great places to find volunteer opportunities that suit your interests and schedule.

The growing need for senior nutrition services

As the number of seniors grows, it’s crucial to build strong support systems, including nutrition services and volunteer opportunities. Meals on Wheels America is pushing for more federal funding to keep their services going and growing. They’re asking community members to reach out to lawmakers and advocate for more funding for senior nutrition programs.

One major challenge for Meals on Wheels is that federal funding hasn’t kept up with rising costs for food, fuel, and running programs. Many local branches rely on donations and volunteers to meet the need. That’s why advocating for change is a big part of Community Champions Week. They want leaders to see why more funding for senior nutrition is vital.

To make senior support stronger, community groups and businesses can help by offering perks for volunteering. Some places even let employees volunteer during paid work hours. Senior-friendly businesses can also sponsor local programs or host events that encourage seniors to volunteer.

How to get involved during Community Champions Week

Community Champions Week is a great opportunity to highlight the need for senior nutrition and inspire more people, including seniors, to volunteer. If you’re a senior wanting to get involved, start by reaching out to local nonprofits or checking online resources for volunteer roles that match your skills and interests. Here’s how seniors can start volunteering:

Know What You Like: Whether it’s mentoring, delivering meals, or helping with office tasks, choose something you enjoy for a more rewarding experience.

Check Out Volunteer Programs: Visit volunteermatch.org or seniorcorps.gov for a variety of opportunities near you.

Contact Local Groups: Charities, libraries, and churches often need senior volunteers and can help you find a suitable role.

Think About Online Volunteering: If getting around is hard, consider virtual volunteering, which can still make a big difference.

Bring Along Friends or Family: Volunteering is a fun way to bond while helping your community.