Connecting Generations: A Coming of Age Community Partner

Volunteers help themselves to better health while helping others, according to a study released by the Corporation for National and Community Service in 2007. Research suggests that volunteering is particularly beneficial to the health of older adults. According to the report:

A study of adults age 65 and older found that the positive effect of volunteering on physical and mental health is due to the personal sense of accomplishment an individual gains from his or her volunteer activities.
Another study found that volunteering led to lower rates of depression in individuals 65 and older.
A Duke study found that individuals who volunteered after experiencing heart attacks reported reductions in despair and depression – two factors that that have been linked to mortality in post-coronary artery disease patients.
An analysis of longitudinal data found that individuals over 70 who volunteered approximately 100 hours had less of a decline in self-reported health and functioning levels, experienced lower levels of depression, and had more longevity.

The Coming of Age Delaware initiative is partnering with another nonprofit organization, Connecting Generations, which is home to the Creative Mentoring, Seasons of Respect, and Creative Transitions programs. They currently have several great ways to get involved as volunteers: Become a Mentor Mentoring is a great way to get involved in your community and really make a difference in a child’s life. The Creative Mentoring program will train you and help connect you with a school or community/faith-based/after school mentoring program that is close to you. All it takes is one hour per week and the desire to help a child become all he or she can be. To learn more and to apply to become a mentor this fall, visit www.creativementoring.org or call 877-202-9050 ext. 15. Become a Board Member or Committee Member Read about these opportunities here. Provide Office or Program Support Read about these opportunities here. For more information about volunteerism and to read the study, visit www.nationalservice.gov.

Posted on Sep 20, 2009