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OLDER AMERICANS ARE GIVERS
by
Dee Taylor
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Did you know that more than 80% of Americans aged 45 and older are involved in helping others without pay? This was reported by a new survey just released by AARP. Of course, these high numbers are an end result of the 9/11 terror attack in New York City, which brought forth the need to volunteer to do something for someone else in many people's lives. The report bears it out though, older Americans are givers of time and money.
Specifically, the AARP survey reported about 51% of the middle-aged and older population reported volunteering when asked the traditional question about serving in their communities for non-profit charities, schools, hospitals, religious organizations, neighborhood associations, civic or other groups. All these are to the betterment of the communities we live in, and all of them are good projects to be involved in. But elderly people (56%), children (47%), and neighborhoods (42%) attract the most volunteers. And here is something to think about, almost 9 in 10 people have donated money to family and non-family individuals in need this past year. Almost all of us have helped someone sometime this past year!
The transformation of volunteering and giving is being driven by the greatest demographic shift in our nation's history. In 2000, there were 34.7 million Americans, nearly 12% that were 65+, and by the year 2011 when the baby boomers turn 65 that number will rise to 40 million. By 2030, one in every five Americans will be over the age of 65 with approximately 78 million people (U.S. Census 2000). I have been saying it for seven years now, that unquestionably, this aging of the population will have a tremendous impact on American life, including volunteering and giving.
One example of this stewardship is an older person's contributions through community service and charitable giving. The 45 and older population has already assumed responsibility for maintaining and improving civic life in America. America's people are great givers of themselves and their resources. That is why we are such a blessed country!
The overall results of the AARP survey showed that no matter what our race, creed or color, Americans are more alike than different in their actions and motivations to give their time and their money. May God continue to bless America because of their great hearts.
So, I say all this to say, there are many things for us all to get involved in right in our own communities. However, I have recently learned of a non-profit that would welcome volunteers, and is a natural for seniors who would enjoy mentoring school age kids…. Grandparent to grand kids! It is called Youth Mentor Network and it helps the faith community reach out through the schools, to at-risk youth to provide encouragement and guidance. Your volunteering for this project could prevent a kid from becoming engaged in drug abuse, stop a suicide, prevent another teen pregnancy; or keep them from becoming involved in gang activity. You just be there as a mentor for these kids, it is that easy! If you are so led, you can contact Cathy Barker, Executive Director of Youth Mentor Network at 972-578-2802.
If kids aren't your bag, contact the Dallas or Collin County Volunteer Center and they can guide you to a non-profit that would keep you involved in life by just being available when they need you. Yes, older Americans are givers, and you too can make your space on this planet count for something this holiday season regardless of age…. Life becomes so precious when you give it away volunteering or helping others!
Watch Dee on "Sizzlin' Seniors," Time Warner TV, Channel 14 daily at 12 noon and 7PM or Website: sizzlinsen.org.
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