Volunteers find their lives are enriched when helping others

Senior living residents lend their time, skills throughout Houston community

Staying active is essential to health and happiness for seniors, but older adults say it’s even better when they are helping others. Volunteering gives one a sense of belonging and increases activity, creating improvements in mental, physical and spiritual health.

“Among other benefits, volunteering can reduce stress and improve mood and lower the risk of developing high blood pressure. So, for older adults — and those of all ages, too —volunteering can make you feel better,” said Christine Keegan, director of marketing at The Hallmark, a senior living community.

The Hallmark offers residents opportunities to volunteer within the community in different ways.

“There is a residents association with a voluntary board and an advisory board that meets with the Brazos Presbyterian board. All Hallmark residents are members of the association and are encouraged to participate in meetings and activities,” Keegan said.

In addition to participating in The Hallmark community, many residents volunteer in the Houston community.

“One of our residents has volunteered at Texas Children’s Hospital since 1968. She is part of a diverse group of active auxiliary members who support patients, families and hospital staff through a number of assignments,” Keegan said.

Another Hallmark resident, Alice Loveless, volunteers at The Christian Community Service Center, which is a coalition of churches working to reduce the effects of poverty in the local community. Loveless works in the clothing room for individuals and families in crisis. She receives and sorts donations and assists clients with complimentary selections.

“I feel blessed and enjoy helping others,” Loveless said.

Many other residents volunteer at various venues around town.

“In a retirement community, with the support from staff, seniors can continue their volunteer efforts and

contributions, whether playing the piano in Memory Care or visiting residents in Nursing Care, residents have found new meaning and direction in their lives by helping others, and they are making a difference in the Houston community,” Keegan said.

One resident at Parkway Place, another Houston senior living community, has dedicated nearly 20,000 hours to volunteering.

When Santosh “Toshi” Hayre, 81, retired 15 years ago, she decided to devote her free time to volunteering.

She knits hats for newborns, shawls for patients in the hospital and booties for residents living in skilled nursing at the senior living community. She also is part of the knitting group at her church and donates her knitted items to local charities.

“Knitting is my fulltime hobby, and I enjoy it very much,” Hayre said. “I like to see other people wear the items and get use out of them. It makes me happy when I see the joy that something like a hat or shawl brings to people. I’ve seen parents whose son or daughter was going into surgery and they were worried, but I sat and talked with them and it helped. It warms my heart to volunteer, and a hat or a pair of socks can really change someone’s day for the better. I also sell some of my items at my church. The money benefits local charities including the Angela House. God blessed me in my life to do this, so why shouldn’t I share it?”

Residents volunteer in a variety of ways at Eagle’s Trace senior living community, based on their passion. Some of them teach Bible study, some visit residents in the community’s Continuing Care building, while others volunteer offcampus at schools, food banks, churches and other sites.

“These are just small examples of things residents do to volunteer. The possibilities are limitless. All our residents run their own clubs and groups at Eagle’s Trace where they share their gifts with other residents to create opportunities for others to socialize,” said Kristen Kennedy, a resident services coordinator of Pastoral Ministries at Eagle’s Trace.

Residents at Eagle’s Trace also seek out volunteer opportunities throughout the community and the greater Houston area, she said. Many residents have been volunteering for many years and continue these opportunities after they become residents at Eagle’s Trace.

“Others find out about opportunities from their friends and neighbors at Eagle’s Trace,” Kennedy said.

Volunteering is important to many seniors, as it gives them a sense of purpose and a connection to the community.

“Our residents find value in volunteering because they are touching people’s lives and making an impact. Many of our residents have had successful careers and have a wide variety of skills that they wish to share. Volunteering is a great opportunity for our residents to share those gifts,” Kennedy said.

One resident at Parkway Place … has dedicated nearly 20,000 hours to volunteering.

Photo courtesy of Parkway Place Santosh “Toshi” Hayre, a Parkway Place resident, uses her knitting skills to help others, from newborns to those in skilled nursing care.

Photo courtesy of The Hallmark Residents at The Hallmark donate clothes for Alice Loveless to take to The Christian Community Service Center, where she works as a volunteer in the store, helping clients find clothing and other items. The Hallmark drivers are always there to make...

Photo courtesy of Meals on Wheels Meals on Wheels is another organization that utilizes volunteers.

There are numerous opportunities to volunteer that will appeal to individual interests.