It’s still early in the year and many people have resolved to make changes in their lives.  

This year, start doing something you’ll love. Make a change, get involved – volunteer.

In recent years, volunteering by older adults has been on the rise.

The Corporation for National and Community Service – home of RSVP, the nation’s largest senior volunteer recruitment agency – reports that the number of older adults 65 plus who volunteer has risen from 7.7 million in 2002 to nearly 10 million in 2012.

In addition, the volunteer rate for older adults over the age of 65 increased by 64 percent between 1974 and 2005.

Studies show that volunteering has positive effects on common health challenges such as obesity and stress, and on efforts to reduce or eliminate smoking.  

Keeping physically and mentally active can also improve your state of mind. Most older adults claim that they have experienced improved health and well-being as a result of volunteering, motivating them to continue volunteering.

Today’s older adults have more access to resources than in the past. They are more educated and financially secure.

Research reveals that the proportion of adults age 65 and older without a high school diploma has dropped nearly 40 percent since 1974.

In addition, older Americans with college degrees are volunteering at a higher rate than in the past.

One will find older adults volunteering for many different types of community organizations.

Religious institutions are the most popular organizations through which they volunteer their skills and time. They also volunteer at educational organizations, social service organizations, civic and arts organizations, and hospitals.

By being a volunteer and improving the lives of others, older adults receive positive feedback – a very real motivation to continue.

And since volunteering helps older adults stay active and connected to their communities, it’s a win-win situation for both the volunteers and the organizations that see the benefits of the volunteers’ service.

Let’s not forget about those baby boomers, those folks who were born between the years 1946 and 1964.  

The growing number of boomers nearing retirement age over the next 20 years offers a golden opportunity to tap into a vast base of potential volunteers.

With this sophisticated cohort, organizations must consider creative ways to encourage boomers to volunteer. Society has the opportunity to benefit from the contributions of the boomers’ volunteerism, and potentially to government, as healthier older adults require fewer health care dollars.

Some say that as the boomer population begins to retire, this group will not necessarily become a new, willing army of volunteers.

The sluggish economy has seen more older adults staying in the workforce well beyond retirement age.  

However, those who volunteer during their working years tend to volunteer during retirement, according to Harvard School of Public Health research. Other literature points out that personal characteristics such as education and religion are also associated with higher rates of volunteerism.

There is no better resolution for the new year than to make a positive difference in the world through volunteering.

For those who are ready to make a difference, here are a couple of volunteer opportunities to consider.

The Lake County IHSS Advisory Committee is looking for members to serve in an advisory capacity regarding In-Home Supportive Services and the In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority to the Board of Supervisors.  

Contact IHSS Public Authority at 707-995-4680 for more information.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program of Lake and Mendocino counties is looking for volunteers to advocate for the rights of all residents of long-term care facilities. Call 707-262-4525 for more information.

Todd Metcalf is the adult services program manager at Lake County Department of Social Services.