Active Aging

4 ACTIVE AGING WEEK | OCTOBER 4–11, 2021 BY TRINA REHBERG BOYKO V olunteering has been shown to provide older adults with a sense of purpose and connection, both of which are linked to better health and happiness. Consider the people of Okinawa, Japan, where fostering purpose and connection is a way of life. Sometimes referred to as the Land of Immortals, Okinawa has the greatest concentration of centenarians—those who live to 100 or more. Their philosophies involve having an Ikigai, which loosely translates to having a sense of purpose in life, and a Moai, a social group that supports one another. Having purpose and connection in our lives brings about feelings of satisfaction and optimism, while reducing stress and anxiety, both of which are leading contributors of heart attacks and strokes. New York Times-bestselling author Neil Pasricha writes in The Happiness Equation, "Today, study after study shows that it is our social connections that are the single biggest driver of our happiness." Many older adults have already experienced how volunteering enriches their lives. In fact, retirees typically have the highest rate of participation as volunteers, says Dawn Bourbonnais, manager of communications and outreach at Volunteer Manitoba. "The rate of participation gets even higher over the age of 75," she notes. However, after a long stretch that's seen many older adults feel the effects of social isolation due to COVID-19 restrictions, they're eager to get back to the volunteer work they know and love. "I was at an elementary school and the volunteer librarian came back for the first time in 18 months," Bourbonnais recalls. "She just burst into tears and so did the staff." Volunteers will often gravitate to the familiar, she adds. Still, there are plenty of opportunities out there to try something new or give your time in a way that makes you comfortable. Not everyone is going to feel ready to jump back into a situation where they're volunteering in person or be technologically savvy enough to find their way around online. That's OK, says Bourbonnais. "There's a place and a time for you to volunteer, so don't worry about that. "Think about what you want to do. What is the change you want to make in your community? What is the impact you want to have?" Volunteer Manitoba has access to thousands of volunteer opportunities across the province and can work with you to find one that suits you. Active Aging in Manitoba (AAIM) is another great resource, with opportunities that will connect you with others and get you moving. "Volunteering grows your network of acquaintances and friends," says Linda Brown, master trainer and active aging consultant with AAIM. "Sometimes that might mean just picking up the phone and calling someone. Even that connection over the phone helps to combat social isolation." AAIM hosts a program called Take a Minute to Move TWOgether, which sees volunteer peer leaders leading recreation activities in their community centres, apartment buildings and assisted living facilities. However, simply phoning a participant and exercising while they chat is an option, too. There are also opportunities with AAIM's Speakers' Bureau, for those into public speaking and sharing topics they're passionate about. AAIM sets up the presentation and organizes the event, where a volunteer will speak and interact with an audience as participants lunch and learn. AAIM's 55+ Games is another popular volunteer event, which was coordinated virtually this year due to the health restrictions that were in place. Next year, Brown says AAIM hopes to have some combination of live and virtual events, which will make for more volunteer opportunities—whether it's timing a walking event or acting as umpire in a baseball game. "When someone calls us, we always look at what they have in mind," she says. "Are they looking to volunteer or just wanting to find somebody to go for a walk with?" At the core of it all is finding meaning in how you spend your time. Try something new. Indulge your creative side. Consider doing something you've only ever dreamed of. It's never too late to prioritize your health or to make a difference. Find out more about AAIM by visiting activeaging.mb.ca or phoning 204-632-3947. To learn about how Volunteer Manitoba can help you, visit volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477- 5180. Finding purpose and connection through volunteering "Volunteering grows your network of acquaintances and friends." Volunteering is a great way to find purpose while donating your time to help others. - photo courtesy of Active Aging In Manitoba The social connections established through volunteering are uplifting and invaluable. - photo courtesy of Active Aging In Manitoba

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