Many seniors discover that giving back in retirement brings a sense of joy and fulfillment to their days. By contributing to something bigger than themselves, their lives continue to have purpose.
From knitting tiny caps for premature babies to collecting coats, scarves and gloves for those in need, residents of a retirement living community like Holiday find plenty of ways to contribute their time and talents right outside their door.
Volunteering is often a natural expression of who a resident is. Glenda, a longtime quilter, discovered a new sense of meaning by working with the community sewing group to make quilts for people who could use the extra warmth.
“I called the hospital,” said Glenda. “They needed blankets for cancer patients because they get so cold after treatments.”
Other Holiday residents lend their time and expertise by organizing canned food drives, coordinating deliveries to nearby nonprofits – even mentoring young students. Every project, big or small, is linked to the same goal – giving of oneself to help another person feel cared for.
Kindness leads to connection
In an independent senior living community like Holiday, it’s easy to find opportunities to give back – and get closer to others. While residents hang coats, bake cookies for first responders or chat with neighbors while knitting, they’re doing more than passing the time. They’re talking, laughing – connecting.
By gathering to accomplish a common goal, they’re also weaving stories while knitting mittens or assembling care packages for overseas military. They’re bouncing ideas off one another while writing letters of encouragement to local schoolteachers.
Volunteering means staying active and engaged in retirement, both behaviors that are shown to enhance overall health and well-being. And, through each shared contribution, seniors forge special bonds that make fellow residents feel like family.
Getting to the heart of “community”
Holiday residents never fail to find ways to make a difference in the larger community, whether it’s an on-site craft group, charity drive or partnership with local schools, hospitals or other organizations.
Community events that are open to the public, like Holiday’s Coats and Kindness, shine a spotlight on residents’ spirit of generosity. They remind us kindness is contagious, with one warm heart inspiring another and one generous act inspiring 10 more.
“When I’m busy helping others,” said one resident, “I forget my own worries. It’s the best medicine out there.”
Join us for “Coats and Kindness”
This season, help the residents of Holiday spread warmth where it’s needed most. Join us for a heartwarming afternoon featuring:
- A winterwear fashion show with cozy, cheerful styles
- Delicious seasonal treats to share with friends and neighbors
- A community coat and warm item drive benefitting local charities
Together, we’ll celebrate generosity, creativity and the spirit of giving that makes our senior volunteers an inspiring part of our community.
Because when we share what we have and who we are, we share the true warmth of the season.
At Holiday by Atria, we encourage residents to stay active by participating in community events as well as engaging in personal hobbies and pursuits like volunteering. To learn more about life at Holiday, contact a community near you.
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