Loudoun County AAA Supports National Campaign on Health Benefits of Volunteering

From the Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging:

ASHBURN, VA – A growing body of research shows that older volunteers may experience a reduction in depression, chronic pain and stress, while improving their mental functionality and even their chances of living longer. The Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is pleased to announce its support of a national campaign led by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) to spread awareness that older adults may reap major physical, mental and emotional benefits by volunteering for as little as two hours per week.

Participation in this campaign augments the work AAA does to provide volunteer positions and connect older adults with opportunities in the Loudoun community. “With older Americans living longer than ever before, implications of research showing that volunteering can help improve the health and overall quality of life for older adults are profound,” said Dr. Lynn Reid, AAA Director. “We hope this campaign will not only educate older adults in Loudoun County about the benefits of volunteering, but also motivate them to take action.”
AAA will undertake public outreach through education, counseling and community events. The agency will leverage the campaign’s publication, "Doing Good is Good for You: Volunteer", to explain how volunteering can enhance older adults’ health and well-being, and will provide tools and resources to help them find volunteer roles that suit them best.

The Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging is a division of the Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. For more information about AAA and the Doing Good campaign, visit www.loudoun.gov/aaa or call 703-777-0257.

Image via the Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging.