In my original book proposal for Volunteerism Among Older Adults, I proposed interviewing and writing the stories of ten older volunteers who serve in specific, organized ways. After completing seven of those interviews, I realize that the individuals I’m talking to are “Super-volunteers,” or as a writing friend calls them, “Olympians.” She’s right. I’m inContinue reading “Intermittent Volunteers”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Barriers to Volunteering
Research data demonstrates benefits of volunteerism to older adults, such as longevity, improved physical and emotional well-being, and relationship building. With more time under their control, many retired people turn to volunteer work to continue using skills they developed throughout their careers or to contribute toward causes they care deeply about. While the benefits areContinue reading “Barriers to Volunteering”
Why Volunteer?
Want to increase your lifespan or stay healthy longer? Want to avoid isolating loneliness in retirement? How about improving your emotional and physical well-being? As reported in a recent Washington Post article, research demonstrates that older volunteers have fewer heart attacks, lower blood pressure, less likelihood of depression, and greater life satisfaction. The cited studyContinue reading “Why Volunteer?”
Is There a Volunteer Gene?
All the people I’ve interviewed so far for my book about the value of volunteering by older adults have confirmed one of my book’s suppositions. Research studies demonstrate that individuals who volunteer to serve others—whether those others are strangers, friends, or family—enjoy better quality of life. I hope to soon have many more stories thatContinue reading “Is There a Volunteer Gene?”
Year of the Volunteer
I’m declaring 2026 the Year of the Volunteer! Well, maybe it will just be true in my world. However, I think it’s a great idea for everyone to consider. I don’t think there’s a better way to engender hope in humankind than by investing time in each other’s well-being. And boy, are we in needContinue reading “Year of the Volunteer”
Whom Will You Serve in 2026?
I’m not a prognosticator and don’t presume to know what 2026 will bring. However, at the top of my mind are hopes for the vitality of our shared democracy. The past year has been traumatizing, with deliberate state-sanctioned cruelties and gleeful destruction of institutions intended to serve citizens. At the same time, wealth has beenContinue reading “Whom Will You Serve in 2026?”
Holiday Greetings!
Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is right behind! We had a houseful of company all last week and a table full on Thanksgiving Day, something for which I am very grateful. Our grandkids are teens and will all be out of high school in less than two years. Having everyone together is a blessing. WeContinue reading “Holiday Greetings!”
Home
I missed posting anything on Substack last week because my husband and I made a trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma to visit friends and to hold a book event for my latest book, Subject to Change: Teaching and Learning from Teen Moms. I spent the days prior to the trip obsessing over what to bring andContinue reading “Home”
Serving Others as a Path to Fulfillment
These are dark and uncertain times. I’m often overwhelmed by news of yet another deliberate cruelty or falsehood presented as fact by the current administration. I sometimes feel there is little I can do to effect change and a return to what I’ve always thought were basic American values: honesty, empathy, and care for eachContinue reading “Serving Others as a Path to Fulfillment”
Over Under: One Row at a Time
A couple of months ago, I checked out two books on weaving from my local library. I was inspired by the lovely items a good friend of mine created and gifted to me over the past couple of years. I’m well-seasoned in the crafts of crochet and sewing and have boxes of fabric and yarnContinue reading “Over Under: One Row at a Time”
Janice Airhart 