EATON — The Administration on Aging reports that almost a quarter of our nation’s older adult population volunteers annually in their community. Whether you donate your time to a faith-based institution, a local school, a hospital, a senior center or any worthy group, know that you are adding to the quality of your own life as you improve the lives of others.

Research shows that adults who volunteer are more likely to experience health benefits such as longevity, mobility, and better mental health. Finding new interests and hobbies through volunteering can be fun, relaxing, and energizing, as volunteering allows you to stay active, meet a diverse range of people, and strengthen your social network.

At the present time the Preble County Council on Aging has a need for volunteers to work in several positions. We need an experienced cashier in the Decade’s Diner at the Senior Center. We need volunteers to:

• Help pack Home Delivered Meals

• Deliver meals to seniors and shut-ins in the county

• Sort greeting cards

• Visit seniors in nursing homes

• Return books to shelves in library

We also need volunteers in our Friendly Visitor program. A Friendly Visitor spends quality time visiting with a senior in their home. This is a way we keep homebound clients connected with the outside world. At a prearranged time, the senior volunteer will visit an individual, just to sit and talk, reminisce about the past, talk about the future, or play board games or cards, or watch television. The volunteer might read a book or newspaper to the individual. Again, this is a way to keep a senior connected to the outside world and have some social time with another person.

To find out more about volunteer opportunities available, please call the Senior Center at 937-456-4947.