How Volunteering Can Lead to New Friendships

Volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s also a fantastic way to meet new people and build meaningful relationships. Volunteering at a local food bank or an animal shelter can open the door to lasting friendships. Some memory care homes encourage residents to volunteer.

Why Volunteering Brings People Together

Shared Purpose

When you volunteer, you’re surrounded by people with similar goals and values. Working toward a common cause naturally creates a sense of connection.

Regular Interaction

Volunteering often involves consistent schedules, so you see the same faces regularly. Over time, those friendly smiles can turn into deep bonds.

Learning from Others

Volunteering introduces you to people from all walks of life, giving you the chance to learn from their experiences and share your own.

Ideas for Volunteering

If you’re looking to get involved, here are some options to consider:

Local Libraries

• Help organize events, read to children, or assist with book clubs. Libraries are hubs for community interaction.

Animal Shelters

• Cuddle cats, walk dogs, or assist with adoption events. For animal lovers, this is a win-win opportunity.

Hospitals

• Offer support to patients and their families by working as a greeter or helping with administrative tasks.

Community Gardens

• Help grow fresh produce while connecting with fellow green thumbs.

How to Get Started

1. Identify Your Interests: Think about causes or activities you’re passionate about.

2. Research Local Opportunities: Many organizations post volunteer roles online or have information at community centers and memory care homes.

3. Bring a Friend: If you’re nervous, invite someone to volunteer with you—teamwork makes it even more enjoyable!

4. Start Small: If you’re unsure about committing long-term, try a one-time event, like helping at a food drive or a holiday fundraiser. 

5. Leverage Your Skills: Use your unique talents to contribute in meaningful ways. Love to knit? Join a group making blankets for shelters. Great at organizing? Help coordinate charity events or community programs in memory care homes. 

More Than Giving Back

Volunteering isn’t just about the good you do—it’s about the connections you create. From laughter-filled moments to shared accomplishments, the friendships you build can be as rewarding as the work itself.

Older Adults and Prescription Drugs

The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics reported in their 2021-2022 National Health Interview Survey that an estimated 89 percent of adults over 65 were taking prescription drugs to manage chronic conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure and diabetes. They also found some of those seniors were having a hard time paying for prescribed drugs. 

The survey showed 4 percent of older adults who were prescribed medication did not take it due to cost; and the expense prevented another 3.4 percent of adults from taking their medications per doctors’ orders. More recently, a 2023 survey from the journal JAMA, reports 1 in 5 older adults were not taking prescribed medications due to cost. Also, a 2024 AARP survey found “nearly half of adults age 50-plus have skipped filling their prescriptions — or know someone who has — due to cost.” 

Many of those not taking their prescribed medications or taking less of the amount prescribed are dealing with several chronic conditions. Some report having no drug insurance coverage; and the problem is reflected in the fact that statistics show the majority of adults aged 50 and above are paying out of pocket for prescriptions drugs. 

Thankfully over the last few years there have been a number of steps taken to at least make things easier for seniors on Medicare. Insulin copays were capped at $35 for a month’s supply; and many vaccines including shingles and RSV are free to Medicare enrollees. In 2025 everyone with a Medicare prescription drug plan will have co-pays capped at $2,000 annually. Another plan called “Extra Help,” targeted toward low-income seniors, will expand eligibility requirements in an effort to help those seniors having trouble paying for necessary medications. 

At MorningStar at North Ridge, we offer families trusted, compassionate memory care homes. After a thorough evaluation, we create a specialized, individualized care plan to address personal needs and provide a gentle flow of purposeful activities.  We feel it is our job to elevate and celebrate life by trying to connect with and nurture the individual each day, and to ensure they are treated with the utmost respect and dignity they deserve.  Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care.  

MorningStar at North Ridge brings a unique vision to memory care homes with our mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please contact us for more information about exceptional memory care homes in Albuquerque.

Source: aarp.org/health/drugs-supplements/info-2024/more-older-adults-need-prescriptions.html