Older adults often play an important role in their local communities through volunteering and participating in projects that benefit others. It’s well known that having a purpose in life and feeling connected to others is key to healthy aging. And for seniors enjoying retirement in the Tampa Bay area, the opportunities to help others are numerous.
Why Volunteering Is Such a Good Idea for Older Adults
Retirement can be whatever you choose, as laid back or as busy as suits you best. For some older adults, a big hurdle is figuring out how to do something meaningful with their newfound free time that uses their unique talents and skills. Without a purpose that engages you, it can be easy to fall into days filled with boredom or even depression.
That’s why volunteering is such a good option. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need.
- According to Mayo Clinic, by spending time in service to others, volunteers report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect. Reduced stress further decreases the risk of many physical and mental health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety and general illness.
- Volunteering helps protect against the risks of social isolation.
- Volunteering enhances life satisfaction and wellbeing.
You know how good it feels when you make a difference in someone’s life. You feel good emotionally and you benefit physically.
Retirement in the Tampa Bay Area Makes It Easy to Stay Connected
Whether you are looking for a volunteering opportunity, a way to make new friends, or find a place of worship, retirement in Palm Harbor is an ideal choice.
• Volunteer opportunities are listed on the Pinellas County Volunteers website. You can contact them, or contact local charities like the Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Meals on Wheels.
FEAST Food Pantry provides food and personal care items for families in need in North Pinellas County. Volunteers are needed to help sort and pack food for distribution to families in need, help with fundraising efforts, organize food drives to ensure a a constant stream of supplies for the families and assist families during their visit to our pantry.
CSA Palm Harbor is the local non-profit charged with managing parks, recreation and leisure services within the unincorporated community of Palm Harbor, Florida. From helping at the front desk and assisting with programming to working special events, there is something for anyone willing to lend a hand to the community.
Palm Harbor Museum. Once a family home and site of a citrus ladder factory, the 105-year-old Hartley House and grounds today serve as home to the Palm Harbor Museum. Exhibits highlight local, regional, state, and national events, history, culture, and environment as it ties into our Palm Harbor and North Pinellas community. Be a docent, help with events, serve on planning committees, recruit table sponsors, request silent auction donations and food contributions, as well as assist with PHM fundraisers and special events.
Palm Harbor Library has an exceptional volunteer program for those enjoying retirement in Palm Harbor. Volunteers may assist with checking in materials; shelving books, tapes, CD music, and CD books; ensuring collections are correctly located; working as bookstore cashiers; sorting, pricing and stocking donated items for resale in the bookstore; and teaching English to adult English language learners.
Senior Centers. Greater life satisfaction and lower rates of depression are both linked to having close friends. Popular options include the Hale Senior Center in Dunedin with classes, programs, events, health screenings, games, crafts and hobbies, dance exercise and more, or the Oldsmar Senior Center offering card games, art projects, and guest speakers. Seniors can make new friends and participate in recreational, fitness, and educational programs at each one.
Religious Organizations. Retirement in Palm Harbor offers many options for older adults who wish to practice their faith. Available: Bible Baptist Church, Calvary Chapel Palm Harbor (Christian), Chua Phat Phap – Southwest Florida Buddhist Inc., Hindu Temple of Florida, Masjid Al Rahman Muslim mosque, Masjid Al-Salaam Muslim mosque, New Creation Christian Church (non-denominational), New Hope Church Palm Harbor (Christian), Lutheran Church of the Palms, Palm Harbor Seventh-day Adventist Church, Palm Harbor United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church of Palm Harbor, St. Luke Catholic Church, Temple Ahavat Shalom reform synagogue, Suncoast Bible Presbyterian Church, Temple New Jerusalem Messianic synagogue, and Word of Life Church (Slavic Pentecostal).
St. Mark Village: Making Retirement in the Tampa Bay Area Even More Special
Visit St. Mark Village senior living and you’ll feel it right away: a vibrant spirit of genuine caring for one another. Here, you are part of a loving family that inspires you to enjoy all the perks of carefree senior living that offers everything you need, including seamless access to future health care options. It’s an atmosphere of lifting another other up to new levels of fulfillment in life endeavors. So it’s only natural that volunteer opportunities should abound at St. Mark Village.
These include:
- Assisting as an usher with religious services at St. Mark Village
- Helping with our regular white elephant sale
- Lending a hand during special events, such as ice cream socials, holiday events, etc.
- Setting up coffee and assisting with St. Mark Village men’s breakfast club
- Assist with St. Mark Village Chorus concerts
- Bring your ideas: we’ll help make it happen!
Find your purpose. Make a connection. Retirement in Palm Harbor can help you do both. Be a part of something truly special. Life at St. Mark Village could be the connection you’ve been looking for.
Discover new passions as you plan your retirement. Download our free guide, A Guide to Living Well During Retirement in Palm Harbor, Florida. Or contact us today.
