As Audrey Hepburn once said, “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself and the other for helping others.” Giving your time through volunteering not only supports your community but also brings personal fulfillment and a variety of benefits. Here are just a few of the ways volunteering can enhance the lives of older adults — and how life at Moldaw, a vibrant senior living community in Palo Alto, CA, makes it easy to find opportunities to get involved.
Build New Connections
Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet people and build relationships centered around shared values and interests. When you join an organization whose mission resonates with you, you’ll connect with others who share your passion. For many older adults, volunteering can enhance their social life to reach beyond their immediate surroundings.
Enjoy A Sense of Purpose
Contributing your time to a cause you care about is deeply fulfilling and can have a significant positive impact on your emotional well-being. Supporting others reminds us of our own strengths and can help reduce symptoms of depression, ease stress, and even support mental clarity.
Stay Engaged — Physically and Mentally
Volunteering keeps both your body and mind active. Taking on tasks that require new skills encourages mental stimulation and lifelong learning, which can help boost cognitive health. On the physical side, staying active through volunteer work supports healthy movement, improved circulation, and cardiovascular wellness.
Explore New Passions
In addition to developing skills, volunteering can introduce you to new interests. Whether sparked by the organization you’re helping or by the people you meet along the way, volunteering can help you discover new passions or hobbies, keeping your days full and your mind engaged.
Choosing Where to Volunteer
When exploring where to volunteer, it’s helpful to think about your interests and abilities. What you enjoy and what you’re comfortable with. Choosing a cause that speaks to you can make the experience more meaningful and enjoyable, turning it into something you look forward to regularly and an activity you will keep up.
You should also consider your comfort level with different types of tasks. Do you have past experience in a particular area? Are you open to light physical activity, or would you prefer a role that’s more sedentary or relaxed? Knowing your preferences will help you choose volunteer opportunities that will be most rewarding for you.
Ideas for Volunteering in Palo Alto, CA
Residents at Moldaw enjoy a wide range of convenient volunteering opportunities, all within easy access to home. Located next to the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (JCC) on the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life, Moldaw residents have easy access to the Center for Social Impact, which organizes events for Good Deeds Day, Mitzvah Day, Earth Day, and Family Volunteer Day, as well as many volunteer projects including work for local social justice organizations and volunteering directly at the JCC.
The larger Palo Alto community also provides a wide range of additional volunteer opportunities to residents, including:
Many volunteer lists allow you to filter by age, physical ability, and interest!
Make the Most of Your Retirement at Moldaw
Stay engaged and energized while enjoying a maintenance-free, carefree lifestyle. Located in sunny Palo Alto, CA, our premier senior living community offers a vibrant, welcoming environment with activities and programs to match every passion. Reach out today to schedule a tour and see for yourself why our residents love living at Moldaw!
