Dear National Service Community,
The results are in! An independent study sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) confirms what we have long believed to be true: Senior Corps volunteers are not only improving the lives of others, they are also improving their own!
This national study collected data from 1,200 first-time Senior Corps Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers. We are excited to announce that Senior Corps volunteers reported significantly higher self-rated health scores, compared to older adults in similar circumstances who do not volunteer.
84 percent of Senior Corps volunteers reported improved or stable health after serving in the program
What’s also exciting is that Senior Corps volunteers say they feel less socially isolated. Social isolation is recognized as a critical public health crisis. We know that among older adults, a sense of social connectedness can provide important health benefits.
88 percent of Senior Corps volunteers who first reported a lack of companionship reported a decrease in feelings of isolation
In communities all across America, local Senior Corps programs are providing meaningful volunteer opportunities for older adults. Senior Corps volunteers found their community service satisfying and meaningful, and they reported having opportunities for personal growth, and a sense of accomplishment. Compared with other volunteers nationally, Senior Corps volunteers remained in service at higher rates.
This is just the tip of the iceberg! A companion study, also available today, examines the benefits to caregivers who receive respite services from Senior Companion volunteers. There is so much more to celebrate and learn from these important reports.
To learn more about the research and the health benefits of volunteering with Senior Corps visit SeniorCorps.gov/HealthyVolunteers.
Senior Corps
Corporation for National and Community Service
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