It’s no secret that bringing a smile to other people’s faces can help you as much as them. Why? Causing other people to smile is actually contagious. According to a study by the magazine Psychology Research, there is an interaction between the viewing of other people’s facial movements, and the movements that your own face then makes in response. This causes a perception in the viewer’s face of happiness, and that viewing causes a contagious sharing of happiness. What a great thing to catch from someone!
Senior citizens can particularly benefit from a smile, from someone they know or even from a perfect stranger! Depression and loneliness are quite common in the elderly population. It can make a huge difference in a senior’s day to connect with them, whether with a smile and a hello, or by doing something more. One way to really reach out to the elderly population is by volunteering. What kinds of opportunities to volunteer with seniors are available in your area?
One of my favorites is Meals on Wheels. This organization delivers daily hot meals to immobile seniors. Another great one is called Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly. This organization has several local chapters in cities throughout the world, and brings volunteers to visit and spend time with seniors. THere are so many more ideas! For more volunteer ideas and specifics, visit the AARP website Volunteer page. Click any of the corresponding links to read more or to sign up–you can do as much or as little volunteer work as you like!
Why not give a volunteer job a trial run and see what might be a good fit for you, and what might most benefit your community? Or if you are not ready to commit to an organization, remember that just the act of smiling and saying hello to a senior citizen you see at the grocery store or the park or the hospital can make a great difference in their day. Bring a smile to a senior’s face everywhere you go and spread that contagious happiness!