Sagora Senior Living has become synonymous with exceptional residential alternatives for seniors. Everything we do is focused on serving our residents and with the goal of meeting their needs and exceeding their wants. Sometimes our needs are best met by meeting the needs of others! It’s important to remember the value of giving and the immense impact it has on our lives and the lives of others.
Following Thanksgiving, communities all around the world participated in GivingTuesday. The Sagora Senior Living communities were no exception! GivingTuesday is a movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world. The GivingTuesday network collaborates year-round to inspire generosity around the world, with a common mission to build a world where generosity is part of everyday life. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.
Sometimes in life it is easy to get caught up in our own walk that we forget to think about others and don’t look for ways that we can be generous. Regardless of what is going on in our lives, we all have something to give and the uniqueness that we all bring to the world is what makes life truly special. People of all ages, both young and old, can always get involved in some way and give back. GivingTuesday is an excellent reminder that helping hands lead to grateful hearts and that generosity is the gift that keeps giving!
Senior living communities are full of individuals with a little extra time and very generous hearts, but if left without engagement having extra time can lead to boredom and even a feeling of unimportance. This eventually has the chance to lead to more serious conditions both mentally and physically. One of the best ways to combat these feelings is by giving back and getting involved in your community however you can. Volunteering or simply being generous with your time, treasures, and talents strengthens your community, but it also has important emotional, physical, and mental benefits. Studies actually show a correlation between volunteering and lower blood pressure. Below are the top five reasons we believe seniors should participate in the gift of giving:
- Helps bridge generation gap.
By interacting with younger generations, seniors are able to share important life lessons. On the other hand, younger generations are able to teach seniors new ways of looking at life. By building a connection with each other both generations are able to offer the respect and affirmation that humans crave.
- Volunteering time is a reminder that we are valuable and important.
Giving others your time can make your time feel more affluent. A study done at Wharton College found that people who give their time felt more capable, confident, and useful.
- It’s good for mental health.
Giving back and volunteering keeps the brain active, which contributes to a person’s cognitive health. The National Institute on Aging reported that participating in activities that are meaningful and productive may lower the risk of dementia and other health problems in seniors.
- Helps prevent senior isolation and depression.
While getting out of the house is important at any age, research found that volunteering can have positive effects on a person’s psychological health. In a study done by the Corporation for National and Community Service, researchers found that individuals who engaged in volunteering activities experienced a shorter course of depression than those who did not volunteer. Volunteering provides seniors with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
- It promotes physical activity.
Physical activity remains an important role in positive health outcomes through the oldest ages. Whether that activity is helping with a local organization or walking around your neighborhood while volunteering as a companion, maintaining a healthy level of fitness helps fend off diseases as you age.
How ever you decide to spend your time giving back, it’s important to look for opportunities that fit into your schedule, you feel comfortable doing, and that you are passionate about. Volunteering is best for all parties involved when you are doing something you enjoy. It’s never too late to get started. Whether you just retired or are in your later years there is always an opportunity for you and your generosity is valuable to others!
Below are some of our residents across the country that have been busy engaging in the gift of giving and making their communities a better place by doing what they can for others and in return are living more rewarding lives.
Communities like Sagora Senior Living play a vital role in creating environments that foster community and connection for seniors. We are proud to play a vital role in helping seniors live longer and the best life possible. With 62 communities in 12 different states, Sagora Senior Living offers seniors the chance to live in active, social communities where they can thrive on a daily basis.