Yet Another Example: Volunteering Can Make Seniors Mentally Sharper While Helping Others!

An interesting article in U.S. News and World Report today introduces a program where seniors volunteer to tutor low income children. The senior volunteers going into low income schools and help children with English and Math.

Some of the participants observe that not only do they feel like they are helping others, but they are also increasing their own mental acuity. Elizabeth Reed, 74, one of the volunteers, says volunteering helps her feel sharper, ”I get a lot out of seeing the young people progress,” Reed said. “In the beginning, they’re sort of reluctant. They feel they aren’t good enough readers and they don’t want to do it. I like working with them, supporting them and telling them to never say ‘can’t.’”

Research backs up these perceptions; a 2009 study at Washington University at St Louis found that children who received tutoring help through the Experience Corps program “had much greater reading comprehension and ability to sound out words compared to kids who were not tutored.”

Another recent study found that among seniors, tutoring may help delay or reverse the signs of aging in the brain. This supports what Home Care Assistance’s own Balanced Care program teaches; mental exercises, especially ones that allow seniors to connect with others, really do help! To find out more about the program visit the website, http://www.experiencecorps.org/index.cfm . While there is not yet a Chicago location, this might be a great opportunity for senior residents of the North Shore or Chicago proper to get involved in their local community and keep themselves young simultaneously!

Read the entire article here.

Home Care Assistance of Greater Chicago certified caregivers are available 24/7 to provide experienced, trustworthy caregivers to help with outings, increasing mental activity, transportation, socialization, personal care, meal preparation, companionship, and specific Alzheimer’s care services. Located in Kenilworth (430 Green Bay Road, Kenilworth, IL 60043,) we serve Chicago and all of the North Shore, from Wilmette to Glencoe to Winnetka and more! Call 847-853-7777 or visit www.HomeCareAssistance.com