School is out for the summer which means that ever dreaded ‘I am bored’ is about to starting ringing throughout households nationwide from millions of kids. There are thousands of opportunities for children to stay active this summer, everything from summer camps to pool parties. For some reason volunteering is over looked, and when you do look at opportunities for children to volunteer there are virtually none that involve seniors.

DSCC asked why that is. We understand seniors are not as cuddly as a puppy or as fun as planting a community garden. But still senior centers and Meals On Wheels Programs across the nation need volunteers too.

There are major benefits to having children volunteer with seniors.

One major benefit is that children can gain knowledge from interacting with a generation they may not see often. Seniors can provide a different perspective on current events and life lessons because of living through historical moments that have impacted their lives. An added benefit is children can learn about history first hand from someone who has lived it.

Historical moments that impact senior’s lives are:

• Civil Right Movements
• Cuban Missile Crisis and
• Rise of Technology

All of these historical events seniors can teach future generations about first hand and talk about their experiences. Leaving a lasting impression and sparking a fascination in history.

The intergenerational interaction allows seniors to also learn about the present and stay in touch with culture today as stated in an article written by Stanford News.

Younger generations can teach seniors:

• Social Media
• Smart Phones
• Keeping Current with Pop Culture

When seniors interact with younger generations they are learning a completely new skill set all while combating isolation that is common in seniors. Both generations are helping each other stay connected and understand the past or the future. Volunteering with seniors allows children to be active and social within a community, allowing the child to help a potentially vulnerable member of society. Delivering meals or helping at a community dining site teaches the importance and kindness of helping other people.

Focusing volunteer efforts on young people improve their (young people’s) chances of success in life

Laura Carstensen psychology professor at Stanford says “Focusing volunteer efforts on young people improve their (young people’s) chances of success in life,” Carstensen said. “These mutual benefits are perhaps the most compelling reason for programs that connect young and old.” Not only does volunteering make these children more successful but it also provides growth in other aspects of their everyday lives. The Stanford News also claims that children volunteering with seniors increases critical thinking, problem-solving and social interaction, influence social connections and sense of purpose in underprivileged children.

Having children volunteer with seniors does more than just provide a senior with a warm meal and comfort. Children volunteering with seniors also helps them grow and provide education for everyone in the community.

When you hear ‘I’m bored this summer’ or ‘I need something to do’, have them volunteer with a senior in your community.

To

Sources: https://news.stanford.edu/2016/09/08/older-people-offer-resource-children-need-stanford-report-says/

Learn More

To learn more about volunteering visit our volunteering page or call 630-620-0804.