Seniors Benefit from Giving Back

 Ask someone who volunteers their time and skills to help others why they do it and you will get a variety of answers: some put themselves in the shoes of those in need, while others do it because giving makes them feel useful and needed. Some just say that it feels good to do good. Whatever the reason, giving back to those less fortunate is an important way that we can support our local community.
Seniors especially can reap great benefits when giving back to the community:
• Whether they are retired after years of working or experiencing an emptier home after a lifetime of raising a family, older adults can find a new sense of purpose when they volunteer their time and skill-sets to the less fortunate.
• Many times, volunteering involves socializing with others donating their time, giving seniors opportunities to meet other people with their same interests. Whether it is during a crafting session making blankets for under-served children or manning an information booth for a local non-profit, conversation and camaraderie abound!
• Volunteering can help keep us active and out of the house! You don’t have to be physically fit enough to help corral animals at an adoption event to benefit; just getting outside and sitting in the fresh air during a fundraiser can improve one’s overall wellbeing. And you don’t have to be ambulatory to help; knitting hats for cancer patients or helping a child learn to read are great ways to give back.
Oakmont of Santa Clarita has begun a new program, Connect, where each month, we will pick a local non-profit to support. Last season, we focused on organizations that helped underserved children and seniors by making blankets for Family Promise. This spring, we will be donating our time to animals in need, volunteering at Shelter Hope Pet Shop. If you are or know of a local senior that would like to participate in this program, or have a non-profit that is in need of volunteers, please call us at Oakmont of Santa Clarita at 661-295-2025.
For more information please contact Oakmont of Santa Clarita at 661-295-2025 or visit our website www.oakmontofsantaclarita.com.