7 Ways To Stay Young At Heart – Part 3

Volunteering in any capacity will help you stay young at heart and is good for you. However, volunteering with young people is especially good for this purpose.

Researchers haven’t identified why, but something about regularly being around young people (defined as 25 and under) seems to slow down the aging process and make older adults feel more youthful.

Maybe all that extra energy is transferred from younger people to older ones! Regardless of the reason, think about volunteering with young people.

How do you find out what kinds of volunteer work is available? Help in education is always needed. This could mean tutoring kids and college students who are behind in their studies or at risk of failing.

All communities need volunteer tutors at community centers, schools, and after-school programs. You may have to fill out an application and pass a background check, but you don’t have to be a retired teacher.

Mentoring young people is another excellent option. Not every child or young adult has supportive people around them to help them grow into adulthood. Organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America dedicate themselves to matching at-risk kids with seniors and adults who are willing to mentor them.

Another option is to volunteer with sports organizations. Most youth sporting leagues depend on volunteers for refereeing, coaching, setting up and taking down equipment, and a host of other activities. No matter your favorite sport, you can find a group that needs your help.

Need more suggestions? Do you have grandchildren? Why not volunteer where they attend school? Schools frequently need adults to volunteer all over, from cafeterias to libraries to theaters. They are generally glad to have grandparents willing to help.

You could also volunteer at local music or art organizations or any local museum that caters to many young people. These groups always need volunteers. You could be a tour guide, lecturer, or even work in the gift shop.

Children’s hospitals are another place that always need volunteers. Libraries often do too. Local fairs and festivals are usually run by volunteers and are often geared toward young people.

These are just a few options for volunteering with young people. If volunteering interests you, you’re sure to find plenty of other opportunities if you care to look. Helping young people is a wonderful way to stay young at heart while also doing good in the world.