Volunteers find proven health benefits in lending a hand to help others

“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more,” said writer H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Those of us who work year-round with hundreds of Brethren Village Volunteers can attest to the truth of that statement. We see their broad smiles and witness the camaraderie among them. A national survey of Volunteers a few years ago showed that 96 percent said that volunteering makes them happier.

Research has shown that, overall, Volunteers maintain better mental and physical health and actually live longer. They sleep better, feel less anxious and more hopeful, form stronger friendships, and have greater control over chronic illness. People struggling with grief who volunteer to help others experience a briefer course of depression than those who don’t. Older adults who have lost a spouse or partner, or who are newly retired, might benefit from the sense of purpose that volunteering provides.

Brethren Village Retirement Community offers choices of volunteer activities

At Brethren Village, we have an active volunteer program with wide participation from Residents and non-resident individuals from across our community. Some serve every week, while others help out several times a year. We value and appreciate any time that people are able and willing to give. The Volunteer Services Team Members work closely with all Volunteers to match their skills, interests, and available time to the most suitable service opportunities, creating a win-win for everyone.

We offer individuals plenty of choices in how they may give of their time, including through the Brethren Village Auxiliary. Volunteers of the Auxiliary organize annual fundraisers such as the Holiday Bazaar and Cookie Sale. Proceeds from Auxiliary activities are used to benefit Brethren Village programs and Residents.  They also support events and programs like monthly Resident Birthday Celebrations and Wheelchair Walks.

Our Volunteers also create and sell craft items to benefit the Auxiliary Fund, visit fellow Residents one-on-one, sort and deliver mail, greet visitors, fulfill clerical duties, assist at chapel services, escort Residents to on-campus appointments, and help with special events and projects.

Residents of senior living communities have the benefit of waking up every day to a variety of volunteer activities available to all who can participate, whether residing in a senior independent living cottage or apartment or living in a personal care apartment or room.

If you or a loved one is considering senior living at a retirement community, we hope you will visit our bustling campus near Lititz, PA, where we also offer a memory support neighborhood for dementia care and skilled care in The Courtyards, our long-term care facility. We would be glad to show you around our lovely community so you can see firsthand why so many seniors enjoy life here and call it home. Please contact us to schedule a tour or for more information on our retirement living options.