Senior Style

V olunteers are vital to the survival of many charitable organizations. The global pan- demic that begin in late 2019 and continued into 2020 changed many aspects of life as the world knew it, and that includes volunteering. Social distancing measures and stay-at-home mandates from state and local governments discouraged people from leaving their homes, while various health organizations warned aging men and wom- en to stay home as much as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age. In recognition of that threat, many retirees who were heavily involved in volunteering prior to the pandemic were forced to cease working as volun- teers, which could have a negative effect on their mental health as the pandemic continues. A report from the Mayo Clinic Health System noted that adults over age 60 experienced greater life satisfac- tion and greater positive changes in their perceived health as a result of volunteering. Check with your doctor Anyone, but especially seniors, who wants to volunteer during the pandemic should discuss those aspirations with their physicians prior to offering their services to charitable organizations. Contact the organization Some organizations may not be allowing potential- ly at-risk volunteers to perform in-person tasks. Monitor your own health If you've signed up to volunteer, it's vital that you monitor your own health. Health officials believe the COVID-19 virus has spread so rapidly for a number of reasons, including the likelihood that many people have had the virus but shown no symptoms. Virtual volunteering Virtual volunteering is a safe way to give back that won't expose volunteers or others to the COVID-19 virus. Charitable organizations need behind-the- scenes help just as much as they need volunteers with their boots on the ground. Virtual volunteers can help with fundraising efforts and event plan- ning, but also help charities overcome the logistical challenges of operating and meeting their missions during the pandemic. Prior to volunteering during the pandemic, pro- spective volunteers can follow numerous steps to ensure volunteering is safe, both for them and the people they're trying to help. n Use an over abundance of caution Volunteer safely during the pandemic W H I S T L E S T O P I S N O W M A R I N C O U N T Y ' S H U B F O R H E A L T H Y A G I N G 9 3 0 T a m a l p a i s A v e n u e | S a n R a f a e l , C A 9 4 9 0 1 | 4 1 5 - 4 5 6 - 9 0 6 2 | v i v a l o n . o r g A Marketing Supplement of the Marin Independent Journal | marinij.com Senior Style October 18, 2020 21

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