Today more seniors than ever are giving up their free time to help others and the benefits of volunteering are amazing. Volunteers are healthier, often having fewer medical problems than the senior population in general.

Volunteering increases one’s cognitive and mental wellbeing, helping to protect the memory as people age. Volunteer activities help keep seniors physically active, which lowers the incidences of heart disease and diabetes.
Everyone needs to be needed, but once folks reach a certain age, they often feel like they don’t have anything to contribute. But, according to Jan Carter, who helps coordinate volunteers through her job at a Charlotte North Carolina senior center, “They couldn’t be more wrong!”

Today, many opportunities for senior adults abound, and volunteers are needed at food banks, soup kitchens, hospitals, libraries and museums. With limited resources in many public schools, educators often welcome senior adult volunteers to help with reading and other programs.
Recent studies show seniors who volunteer live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. Heritage of Peachtree Retirement and Assisted Living residents are part of this volunteer upsurge. They have many opportunities to volunteer their time and talents within their retirement community, giving of themselves to make other’s lives better.

Talented “Miss Heritage” Margaret Riggs often plays the piano providing musical entertainment and joyful sing-along programs for other residents.

Col. Norman Buehler researches information on the internet and then conducts weekly current events socials where other residents have the opportunity to share their opinions on current topics.

“Ambassador Club” members Rebecca Carey, Vicki Ebersbach, Margaret Riggs, Marge Connor and Lucille Koons serve as hostess/greeters at various monthly special events, welcoming visitors into the community and showing guests around.

Catherine Bartlett conducts weekly in-depth Bible Study discussions along with Col. Buehler who assists her. Their study group is a valuable addition to Heritage and gives residents an interactive support group to address individual concerns.

Elizabeth Robinson leads lively discussions for the weekly Book Club while Gwen Heathcock organizes and coordinates the Library.
Heritage of Peachtree residents have found what so many other volunteers already know; living life to it’s fullest doesn’t end at retirement—in fact that is often when real fulfillment begins. Volunteerism is alive and well at Heritage of Peachtree and many happy residents are proof positive.

For more information on Heritage of Peachtree and their unique programs, please call 770-631-3461 or stop in to visit. Heritage is located at 1967 Highway 54 West, Fayetteville.

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