(NewsUSA) - Volunteering is a great way to help others and give back to our communities—and it’s good for our mental and physical health. People who volunteer for as little as two hours a week may experience improved mental, emotional and physical health—benefits that many older volunteers are gaining because, on average, they volunteer almost twice as much as people in other age groups.

Because volunteers can often set their own hours, volunteering doesn't have to mean a big-time commitment. So, decide what you're interested in—and spend time doing something that is meaningful to you! Whether you participate in a volunteer transportation program, make calls to someone who may be lonely, read to children at a local school or participate in a community day of service, you can decide what you want to do! The possibilities for volunteering are endless!

There’s no better time than now to explore the volunteer opportunities available in your community. Chances are, you’ll be in good company as you reconnect with old friends or make new ones.

Area Agencies on Aging, Title VI Native American Aging Programs and other organizations provide a variety of services for older adults and can connect older adults to volunteer opportunities. Do you want to volunteer but don’t know where to start? Through its website, eldercare.acl.gov, and national Call Center at 1-(800)-677-1116, the Eldercare Locator can inform and connect older adults to local or virtual volunteer opportunities.

Did you know?

An Eldercare Locator publication, Ready to Volunteer…Now What? A Guide on Giving Back for Older Adults, that can help older adults learn about the benefits of volunteering and how to find a volunteer opportunity. Consider reading this publication to help ensure that you learn how to get connected to in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities.