Articles
Why you need to talk to your grandparents about volunteering
by Natasha Christou Digital Marketing ConsultantThe relationship between a grandparent and grandchild is special and woefully under-researched. But most of us have enjoyed the presence of our grandparents as we were growing up. From days out to watching TV together, there’s something about our grandparents that makes for a simpler connection than with our parents. Perhaps it’s because we know our grandparents aren’t the same ‘role of authority’ as our parents. Perhaps it’s because Gran spoils us.
Well, remember all the times your grandad came to the rescue when Uber failed you? Remember all the wise words your grandma imparted to you after break-ups? For most of us, grandparents have been looking out for us since the day we were born. It’s time to return the favour. This time, you’re brewing the coffee or tea. You’re baking the cookies and sitting Gran and Grandad down to ask them how they are feeling. You need to check in with them and ask how they’re getting on.
One of the key aspects of growing older is the growing sense of loneliness. For a variety of reasons, loneliness can be at the core of many issues impacting quality of life for older people. Even retiring can prove to be a building block in loneliness, so it’s certainly something to chat to your grandparents about to see how they’re feeling.
If your grandparents admit they are feeling a little disengaged or socially isolated, ask them whether or not they have considered volunteering.
The social benefit of volunteering
Many elderly people volunteer to socialise. In a digital age where communication has shifted, volunteering offers a unique experience. Plus, by its nature, it is beneficial not only to the volunteer, but to the person using the service. As a volunteer, your grandparent wouldn’t just be finding a place to socialise, but also to continue to achieve things as they have throughout their life.
Plus, there’s the benefit of independence that comes with taking up a regular volunteering role. It allows elderly people to forge a ‘life’ away from the family home, with more stories to tell and experiences to gain as they do so. Independence is a valuable part of many elderly people’s lives and maintaining it can be a matter of self-esteem. On a practical level, you can adapt their homes and transport options to support independent life, such as installing a stairlift so your grandparents can stay in the home they love, or look into Motability cars to keep them on the road comfortably. On a social level, volunteering can be the adaption your grandparents may need.
The medical benefits of volunteering
If your grandparents aren’t convinced, you can tell them that volunteering is what the doctor ordered! According to the NHS, volunteering is a brilliant way to boost your health. Volunteering, at its core, means you’re helping other people. The act of helping others stimulates areas of the brain associated with positive moods, which can help taper depression and defend against stress, anger, and anxiety.
Also, the physical element of a volunteering task aids in fitness levels and keeping muscles and joints healthy. For older people, where weight management can be tricky but crucial to overall health, maintaining a level of physical activity is so important.
There’s also the idea of it being something you can do together. As we get older, we may find we lose touch with our families in order to maintain high workloads in both our careers and home lives. Why not look into volunteering opportunities you and your grandparents could enjoy together? Even a scheduled day once a month is something to look forward to for the both of you!
Sources:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/loneliness-in-the-elderly-how-to-help/
https://www.ageing-better.org.uk/news/volunteering-better-later-life
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/wellbeing/active-retirement/volunteering-in-old-age/
https://www.ageing-better.org.uk/publications/age-friendly-inclusive-volunteering
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-47877680
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htmSponsor Ads
About Natasha Christou 
Digital Marketing Consultant
5 connections, 0 recommendations, 38 honor points.Joined APSense since, July 10th, 2019, From Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Created on Sep 5th 2019 07:10. Viewed 469 times.
