Rick Lauber

(@cdncaregiver) is a former caregiver who has written guidebooks about caregiving.

© Stuart Serediuk

Simplifying

the holidays

A caregiver’s holiday doesn’t have to be extravagant, nor should it be. A more restrained holiday may be a better celebration. As one way to simplify, my family has embraced the Secret Santa approach, where family members will randomly choose just one relative to buy for. Admittedly, doing so reduces the number of presents under the tree, but it also frees up time and often results in more memorable and meaningful gifts.—RL

As a former caregiver for my older parents, I felt mounting stress as the holidays neared and found that holiday tasks—including gift shopping and wrapping, tree trimming, signing and mailing cards and attending social gatherings—all demanded increased time and effort, both of which are in short supply with

caregivers who are already managing the needs of a loved one—regardless of their age. It may be hard to even imagine giving any more when you are already giving so much.

How volunteer work is good for body and mind

When you offer your time, energy and enthusiasm as a volunteer, you’re doing more than supporting a good cause. Done regularly, volunteering can also boost your emotional and physical health.

Ask the roughly 80 million non-profit volunteers in North America or the social scientists, who’ve studied the matter for years. They’ve concentrated on older people, but adults of all ages figure in studies.

Eric Kim, a psychologist who studies the connection between psychological well-being and physical health, co-authored a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine that followed people who volunteered at least two hours a week over four years. “Our minds and bodies are rewarded when we give to others,” said Kim in an interview to promote the finding.

The study found that the volunteers Kim and colleagues followed showed not only less chance of early death but also reduced “physical functioning limitations.”

Dr. Austin Hall, medical director of the University of North Carolina Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health, says, “Volunteering has been shown to have a positive effect on both mental health and cognitive abilities.” In older adults “volunteering can delay cognitive decline.”

Related research sorts health benefits into four general categories: physical positives, a range of mental and emotional positives, sense of purpose and social networks. Here’s a look.

An active mind

William Kolodrubetz, who is retired from the Defense Intelligence Agency, has been a frequent master carpenter for Washington, DC–area theatre companies.

The Costco member teaches the use of drills, saws and ear protection while entertaining with puns and outbursts of song. “Every hour in the shop takes about two hours of prep—solving design problems, planning work teams, pulling lumber, pre-cutting components,” says Kolodrubetz.

Purpose and self-worth

In Spruce Grove, Alberta, Costco member John Dugas volunteers with the Canadian Association of Service Dog Trainers as the vice president of the board.

Through his volunteer work, the disability-retired veteran—who also co-runs a canine obedience business—trains future service dogs, meets donors, strategizes, budgets and coordinates other volunteers. “After the army, the next day you’re nobody. It’s a big challenge for veterans,” notes Dugas. “Helping makes me more confident. It gives me the purpose I need to realign my life.”

Stronger social networks

A 2020 study by British researchers found that the association between volunteering and happiness is not simply because happier people are more likely to volunteer to begin with, but that people who start volunteering see an improvement in well-being.

“All this,” says Kolodrubetz about his carpentry equipment, “gives me a fun, healthy, vibrant reason to get up in the morning and not worry about myself. It’s fun to be wanted, and I want to have fun, all while making a contribution. What could be better?”

Ellen Ryan is a freelance writer and volunteer in her community.

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