Alexandria Seniors Find Friendship Through Volunteering

Elizabeth Murphy learned the power of giving back by watching her mother prepare Meals on Wheels deliveries for neighbors, even while raising six kids. Now she's passing that same lesson to her own children through her volunteer work with Alexandria's annual Toy Drive.

"I've been very fortunate in my life, and I want to give back," Elizabeth says. But the introvert discovered something unexpected: volunteering helped her come out of her shell and connect with people more easily.

Pat Bennis spent 31 years as a volunteer docent in Fairfax County, where she explored parts of her city she'd never seen before. The experience pushed her to grow in ways she didn't anticipate, making community outreach feel natural even though she doesn't consider herself an extrovert.

Her take on why people over 55 should volunteer? "It's interesting, fun, rewarding, and it gets you out of the house."

Volunteer Alexandria runs on the dedication of its 55+ volunteers, who fill newly open schedules after retirement with meaningful work. The opportunities range from organizing flea markets to reading to preschoolers, letting volunteers choose roles that match their strengths and availability.

The Ripple Effect

The benefits extend far beyond the people these volunteers help. A 2019 study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that volunteers who serve over 100 hours yearly are more likely to live longer, stay physically active, and enjoy better mental and social wellbeing.

Elizabeth and Pat represent hundreds of older adults who've discovered that retirement doesn't mean slowing down. It means redirecting energy toward building stronger communities while building stronger versions of themselves.

Organizations like Volunteer Alexandria make it simple to start, matching people with causes that fit their skills and schedules. The result is a win for everyone: communities get experienced helpers, and volunteers get purpose, friendship, and health benefits that last.

Turns out the best way to add years to your life might be adding your time to others' lives.