Statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reveal an alarming reality that makes volunteerism and intergenerational relationships a hot priority. About one in three adults in the United States report feeling lonely or socially isolated with about one in four American adults reporting a dearth of social and emotional support. This puts a person “at risk of developing serious mental and physical health conditions,” the CDC underscored in its report.
Volunteering is a great place to start mitigating the risk. Not only is it good for your health, it’s good for the universe! Plus, it can actually slow your biological aging. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency responsible for the nation’s volunteer and service efforts, released a report in 2019 indicating consistent volunteering can improve the health and well-being of older adults.
Now that we know volunteering is good for us, how do we take the steps to become more involved?
- Volunteer your time or talent with an organization that means something to you.
- Look in your closest family and friend circle and see where you can be a resource.
- Donate to missions or organizations that are important to you and the people you love.
- Be a Meals on Wheels volunteer
- Adopt a homeless pet with careful consideration.
Thwarting loneliness through heightened community service efforts is a gamechanger. And so is establishing relationships with people of all ages.
In a 2019 article in Greater Good Magazine, author Marc Freedman explains the critical nature of intergenerational interactions.
Freedman suggests connecting with younger people, including combining purpose and a paycheck, getting proximate, listening up, finding creative ways to connect, and living on by letting go. That’s a powerful promise!
