— L.G

A: Great news — you made the decision to volunteer. In addition to doing good for individuals or organizations, volunteering in later life has many benefits for the volunteer.

Here are a few reasons:

Promotes physical and mental health: We know aging ultimately is a declining and gradual process. Volunteering can counter the risk of decline of physical health, reducing risks of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment and even mortality. That’s according to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. The National Institute on Aging reports that volunteering also can affect cognitive aging by keeping the brain engaged, thereby lowering the risk of dementia.

Prevents loneliness: Social isolation is a major challenge for many older adults and is considered a public health crisis, according to the U.S. surgeon general. Volunteering can be part of the solution by providing opportunities to socialize and even make best friends. It can support those suffering from depression. Those who volunteer report their depression is shorter than those who do not volunteer, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Provides a feeling of purpose: For many, retirement can be a period of relief and, at the same time, uncertainty about one’s purpose. In the workplace, purpose typically is well-defined. In retirement, not so much. Volunteering can be a reason to get up in the morning, to make a difference or have an opportunity to learn something new. It can help a person feel recharged and needed.

Reduces the rate of aging: People age at different rates. According to a study by Associate Professor Cal Halverson at Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, even a small amount of volunteering is linked to slowing the acceleration of biological aging among retirees, even more than for working folks. Volunteers in the study just aged a bit slower.

Bridges the generation gap: Interacting with younger people provides older adults the opportunity to share life lessons. At the same time, younger generations can offer older adults a new way of looking at life that incudes technology. Respect and affirmation are most often shared by both. Here are a few resources that promote intergenerational relationships:

CoGenerate, a nonprofit organization, features new multigenerational initiatives and research. See cogenerate.org.

Then there is Sages and Seekers,which connects young people with vetted older mentors for weekly virtual conversations.

Eldera is a global virtual village where generations come together to connect, learn from each other, have fun and, it is hoped, create a better future.

Now ask yourself a few questions. What do I love to do? Is it working with older adults, children or those with challenges? Do I prefer an outdoor volunteer experience as opposed to spending time in an office, workroom or remote setting? Do I want a hands-on experience or work at a board or policy level? How many hours a week or days do I want? Am I comfortable making a commitment?

Most communities are rich with volunteer resources: One example is the South Bay, Harbor and Long Beach Volunteer Center. It connects volunteers to over 20 organizations that need and welcome volunteers in areas of gardening, education, special needs, history and the arts. Also check out Volunteer Match for opportunities linked to your area. AmeriCorps Seniors, a network of volunteer programs for Americans 55 or older, is another option. Volunteers work in their community doing academic tutoring and mentoring, elder care, disaster relief and more. It also is the umbrella organization for the Foster Grandparent Program, RSVP and Senior Companion Program. And don’t forget to check volunteer opportunities at your local hospital, library, school district, botanical garden or art museum.

Use your network: If you know someone who has an interesting volunteer position or experience, pick their brain and learn about possibilities.

Finding the right volunteer position takes research and networking, and more than that, it involves taking a risk. Know you have nothing to lose.

One thing is clear: Whatever you choose, you are bringing your life experience and knowledge with you.

So, before you even begin, you are an asset.

Stay well, enjoy the holiday season and know that “No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of others,” according to Joseph Addison, an English poet, playwright and politician who lived from 1672-1719.

Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging and retirement, with academic, corporate and nonprofit experience. Contact Helen with your questions and comments at Helendenn@gmail.com. Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her at facebook.com/Successful AgingCommunity.