Council on Aging Answers 2017 - 112

Volunteerism:
Creating the Good Life
COUNCIL ON AGING - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

n Mary Ozurovich

Life is filled with daily challenges, big and small.
With lives filled with family responsibilities, health
or economic pressures, can we do or give anything
more? In a time of great personal and national challenge, President Roosevelt stated, "Do what you can,
with what you have, where you have it."
Can assisting those who need help lessen one's
own problems and unlock the door to happiness
and longevity? Researchers have found that those
who give time, treasure and talent to others, experience a longer, healthier and happier life.
In a case study on happiness and well-being, professors from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School found when people gave of their time,
they felt more accomplished, self-confident and useful. In effect, they felt happier and more energized.
Volunteering can be fun and meaningful-a way
to make a positive difference in not only to the person helped, but also to the person who unlocks the
treasure by 'giving back' to our community. Based
on personal experience, the more you give of your
life to others, the more you receive in return.
A former volunteer with the Council on Aging's
HICAP program changed the course of my life. She
mentioned I should apply for a temporary 6-month
position. That position has now turned into a 22
year commitment working with volunteers who are
inquisitive, compassionate, and have caring hearts
that enhance others' lives.
Volunteering is giving of an individual's discretionary time and effort. Look for opportunities that
hold meaning for you. You may also want to participate in group activities. The "better together' motto
emphasizes the benefit of being part of a group of
like-minded individuals joining together to achieve
and create positive community health and well-being. We have many "group" volunteer opportunities
at the Council on Aging.
Volunteering is life enhancing. Consider the pos112

Answers Guide 2017

7 Fun Reasons to Volunteer
n You will never have to worry about a RIF (reduction in force) at work
n Parking is always free
n Your clients get to listen to your jokes and stories
n As a volunteer, you are ethical by nature, so you
won't have to sit through hours of ethics lectures and
videos
n You will never get tired of learning
n You don't have to worry about the size of your
yearly raise
n You won't be taxed
- 7 Good Reasons submitted by Bob Riley-COA HICAP
Volunteer

sibilities. By volunteering you can:
n Grow your skills and leadership abilities
n Shake up your own routine and do something
different
n Become part of a team of committed people with
the same interests
n Create life enhancing goals
n Make new friends
At the Council on Aging, I witness volunteers experience the value of giving daily. Without a doubt,
they are doing what they can, with what they have.
This can ignite their full potential bringing what
some call-the good life.
Consider volunteering. Contact the Council on
Aging - Southern California at (714) 479-0107 to
learn about opportunities and consider attending
our Changing Lives Tour.
Mary Ozurovich is the HICAP Volunteer Coordinator, Council on Aging of Southern California. She
is now in her 22nd year and considers her work with
volunteers as "part of my life legacy."

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