SENIORS ARE VULNERABLE TO MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.
The World Health Organization says around one in five older adults experiences psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety and dementia-related mood changes. While various therapies can help, seniors may discover volunteerism can be a surprising antidote to mental health concerns.
Volunteering offers seniors many benefits, including a renewed sense of purpose. It also helps combat social isolation, which can lower rates of depression and anxiety. According to Voices for National Service, older adults who volunteer have reduced risk of mortality, more optimism and feel less depressed and lonely. People who were once working full time and are now in retirement may find they have hours to spare. Those hours can be directed toward volunteer efforts, which can boost seniors’ mental health in myriad ways.
•Lowers depression and anxiety: The National Institutes of Health says research indicates consistent volunteering can help to reduce risk of depressive symptoms. Staying engaged and active combats feelings of hopelessness.
•Decreases social isolation: Points of Light says regular time spent with peers and the people being helped can mitigate loneliness.
Having a strong support network can make stress more tolerable and increase feelings of belonging.
•Restores sense of purpose: When work ends, many seniors lose the structure that governed their working life. Volunteering gives the opportunity to wake up, follow a schedule and achieve goals. It can be rewarding to play a valuable role in the community again, according to Voices for National Service.
•Mental stimulation: Volunteering may lead to learning new skills and interacting with others, and that can keep the mind sharp.
•Physical activity: Older adults may lead sedentary lifestyles if they have nothing to keep them busy.
Volunteering helps a person engage in some sort of physical activity. A 2025 study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine found volunteering is associated with lower levels of hypertension and chronic inflammation. Staying active can lower blood pressure, risk of heart disease and eight types of cancer.
ALSO CONSIDER THE APPEAL OF TRAVEL
The adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” may be true, but for seniors, enjoying that apple at a hotel or on a cruise may be even more healthy than having it at home.
Travel can be an important component of healthy aging. Travel provides many benefits across multiple areas of life. According to The Senior List, around 70 percent of seniors (adults age 50 and up) travel regularly.
Seniors are a target demographic for the travel industry, accounting for roughly one-third of all travelers. Seniors spend almost one month each year traveling.
Here are a few of the many health-related rewards seniors can reap from travel.
•Morale boost: Booking a trip, making it to a destination and checking out new sights creates a strong sense of purpose that can elevate self-confidence.
•Meet new people: Travel offers lots of opportunities to meet fellow travelers and engage with locals at various destinations.
•Get physical activity: Exploring sights and landmarks engages the body. According to Clarendale Clayton Senior Residences, studies show that older adults who regularly vacation experience lower rates of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease.
•Reduce stress: Getting away from the daily grind and household routines or responsibilities can lower feelings of stress.
•Improve cognitive health: According to research by the Global Coalition on Aging, regular cultural travel can reduce Alzheimer’s risk by up to 47 percent.
•Foster cultural understanding: Travel takes people outside of their typical circles and can expose individuals to new cultures.
Learning about these cultures and interacting with local populations can foster a greater sense of cultural understanding.
Volunteering and traveling can be a key components of healthy living for seniors who want to boost their physical and mental wellbeing.
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