Volunteering proves to have health benefits
Minnesota ranks second in the nation for volunteerism and as more Minnesotans leave the workforce or retire, they’re encouraged to stay active by finding a new passion through the giving of their time. Atalaya Sergi, director of AmeriCorps Seniors program says older Minnesotans can draw on a wealth of experience from decades in a wide array of professions:
“They give their time and their energy, their gifts and talents that they have developed over the years, and focus on something that is a local challenge.”
AmeriCorps Seniors matches more than 170-thousand older people nationwide with service opportunities every year, and studies find the benefits of volunteerism go well beyond the good being done in the community. Sergi says volunteers who devote 100 hours or more per year are most likely to experience health benefits themselves.
