“Celebrate National Volunteer Week by Supporting New York’s Seniors”

The Vital Role of Volunteering for Older Adults During National Volunteer Week

Each April, National Volunteer Week serves as a reminder of the transformative power of service in enhancing community ties and improving lives. While many individuals gravitate towards volunteering efforts aimed at children, animals, or environmental causes, the elderly community often falls through the cracks. This oversight necessitates greater awareness and action from potential volunteers.

The urgency of this situation is underscored by demographic trends; by 2030, one in five New Yorkers will surpass the age of 65. Simultaneously, there is a decline in the number of unpaid family caregivers, creating a pressing demand for volunteers in elder care. The New York State Office for the Aging reports a surge in the elderly population, a demographic shift that calls for immediate attention, particularly as many nursing home residents report receiving no regular visitors.

Personal experiences often serve as powerful motivators for individuals to engage with older adults. For members of this community, the profound transitions experienced by family members entering nursing homes can catalyze a commitment to service. One volunteer, sharing her journey, expresses how witnessing her mother, father-in-law, and mother-in-law enter care facilities illuminated the need for compassionate and quality nursing care. Inspired by these experiences, she took on an active role at United Hebrew, a senior living community in New Rochelle, where she not only serves on the board of directors but also engages directly with residents by leading weekly drawing classes. This initiative has allowed her to forge meaningful connections with individuals who find joy and expression through art, reaffirming the value of companionship in elder care.

Volunteering in elder communities is not merely about providing services; it is about enhancing the quality of life for older adults. These interactions, though often understated, serve to affirm the dignity and worth of each individual. By promoting activities that encourage creativity and engagement, volunteers help fulfill an essential gap in care that formal services alone cannot cover.

The statistic from AARP, which indicates that nearly half of nursing home residents in the United States have no regular visitors, further emphasizes the critical need for volunteers. Their presence not only offers companionship but also enhances quality of life. The impact they make is reflective of a larger societal obligation to honor the elder population, who have dedicated their lives to building our communities.

As art advocate Rita Mabli, president and CEO of United Hebrew, notes, “Art awakens the senses, triggers memories, and creates connections.” This sentiment resonates profoundly in the work of volunteers, who strive to introduce creativity and beauty into the daily lives of residents, engaging them in activities that evoke cherished memories and foster community.

In light of these insights, National Volunteer Week serves as an opportune moment for individuals to consider how they can contribute. The elderly deserve our attention, respect, and, importantly, companionship. Whether through storytelling, art, or simple conversation, the exchange can be mutually enriching, with volunteers often finding personal fulfillment in the process.

The invitation stands: explore opportunities to volunteer with older adults. You may be surprised by the depth of connection you develop and the joy that comes from enhancing someone else’s life, all while discovering the many rewards that accompany this heartfelt service.

Dorette Gerspach is an artist and board member at United Hebrew, a senior living community situated in New Rochelle, New York.