For many retirement is a chance to focus on hobbies or explore new interests, but the loss of routine and interaction that comes from working can also bring about an increased risk of cognitive decline and depression. The good news is that volunteering is an excellent way to prove the sort of interaction and mental challenges that keep the brain healthy.
A recent article in The New York Times outlines the science behind the benefits of social connection, including volunteering, during retirement.
Among the 13 DC Villages, about 47% of members are fully retired and another 41% are partially retired. For these people, being part of a Village provides important opportunities for social connections. Beyond social events, discussion groups, excursions, and other activities, more than half (55%) of Village members volunteer helping others in the Village at least a few times a year, and more than a quarter (28%) provide volunteer services at least a few times each month. For these members, 98% reported that volunteering with a Village made them feel more socially connected from their volunteer work.
