Positions which involve providing social support over the telephone is just one example of a volunteer activity in which extremely frail elderly could participate. In addition to the social benefits to be gained by volunteering, mentally stimulating positions provide the added benefit of cognitive challenge. The cognitive challenges included in many volunteer positions may serve a protective function to slow the decline in mental ability that often seen in aging.10 Volunteering has the potential to provide opportunities for fulfilling eight of the ten leisure needs of the elderly identified by Kaplan. In addition to providing many benefits which may contribute to successful aging among the elderly, volunteering is an extremely accessible leisure activity due to a well-organized national and local infrastructure. The federally-sponsored National Senior Service Corps helps match people age 55 and older with volunteer opportunities through chapters in their local communities.
Leisure activities are a significant component of elderly patient's lives.
Volunteer participation by the elderly appears to be a specific form of leisure activity that has the potential to facilitate positive adaptation in elders who are suffering from loss of physical function. This creative addition to typical intervention strategies may result in increased life satisfaction and successful aging among elders experiencing physical and functional impairment. 3 Palmore E. Predictors of successful aging. 4 Hersch G. Leisure and aging. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics.