10 Ways Volunteering Your Time and Talents Benefits You!

Volunteering at your local hospital is a wonderful way to give back to your community and contribute to the well-being of others. Given that hospitals have so many departments and offer so many community-focused care programs, volunteers often become an invaluable part of the team. Volunteer positions for older adults may include being greeters and waiting room attendants, providing transportation assistance to patients, working in the hospital gift shop, offering clerical support to staff – and so much more. For young adults interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, volunteering offers a terrific way to check out a hospital environment.

According to research done by the National Institutes of Health, volunteer activities keep people moving and thinking at the same time, which is why its well-known for improving a person’s health, especially the health of older adults. In fact, volunteers who are 60 years old and older who volunteer more than 100 hours per year have a higher rate of physical activity as well as a reduced risk of loneliness, depression and mortality? They also reported feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, which often has an immediate stress-reducing effect. Therefore, volunteers often experienced a reduced risk of cognitive decline, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other health issues.   

Consider These 10 Ways Volunteering Benefits You

1. It offers you the chance to help others and make a difference in their lives.
2. It takes you out of your comfort zone and challenges you.
3. It builds on your current skills and teaches you new ones.
4. It may improve your social skills and ability to work with others.
5. It positively impacts your self-esteem and self-confidence.
6. It can keep you mentally stimulated and socially engaged.
7. It helps you meet new people and make new friends.
8. It could lead to a part-time, paid employee position.
9. It can bring joy to your life and make you a happier person.
10. It may bring a sense of meaning and purpose to your life.

Volunteering in a hospital is truly a rewarding experience that offers a wealth of benefits for both the volunteer and the community. By dedicating your time and skills you will make a real difference in people’s lives, contribute to positive patient outcomes, gain valuable experience and have some fun along the way. The community you serve will be better for your kind efforts – and so will you!

If you’re interested in volunteering, please click here.