Winter Access

Vol.19, No.4
Help when you’re grieving.
Pages 4 & 5
Your Link To Community Resources
A Publication of The Area Agency on Aging 1-B Winter 2017/18
Serving the counties of Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St.Clair and Washtenaw
For Good: the benefits of volunteering
Pet friendly
Trying to recover from a bad day? There’s nothing like being greeted by an adorable animal to boost your happiness level. Research shows that interacting with a pet can lower blood pressure and boost anti-stress hormones.
Not only can a pet brighten your day, when it comes to dogs, they can help keep you trim by taking them on daily walks. Plus, cats and dogs can help with loneliness by providing company and encouraging socialization when you take them for walks or have a conversation with someone about lovable J.D. or charming Babe.
If you live in your own home, and your budget allows, having a dog or cat may be as easy as deciding which is right for you. However, if you live in an apartment, assisted living or your budget is tight, you may have to be a bit more inventive to enjoy time with a fuzzy friend.
Enjoying pets without ownership
The good news is that there are ways to get a dose of animal magnetism without becoming a “Pet Parent.” Of course you can always make some visits to a local pet store to check out the puppies and kittens in the window— the birds and the fish, too—but you might check out about pet therapy sessions near you. Some senior centers, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and hospitals, offer pet therapy time with well-trained animals. Therapaws of Michigan (www.therapaws.org/) is a canine-assisted therapy program that has over 100 teams visiting over 40 facilities in and beyond the greater Washtenaw area. Or contact Pet-A-Pet (www.petapet.org/), a non-profit charitable organization with locations in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland and Washtenaw counties, to find out about scheduling a volunteer with a pet to come for a visit.
Another option is to volunteer at
the Michigan Humane Society (MHS).
“Older adult volunteers help us in a
number of areas within the facility.
They can walk dogs, socialize cats,
continued on page 2
Meals on Wheels driver Rob Kuelbs knows the benefits of volunteering.
“The fragrance always remains on the hand that gives the rose.” - Gandhi
You don’t have to wait for a date on a calendar to spread some cheer; there’s another way: volunteering. It’s been proven that helping others nurtures you inside and out. In fact, in a 2013 study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University on the effects of volunteering, they found that people who gave their time and talents:
• Were healthier physically (less chronic pain) and mentally (less depression)
• Were happier and had a greater sense of empathy
• Felt a greater sense of purpose, self-confidence and fulfillment
• Had a greater social support system because they made new friends
• Learned new skills • Lived longer
continued on page 2
Inside This Issue
SameAddress - Here to Help....................3 Help When You’re Grieving ....................4 Classes for a Healthy New Year ...............6 Ask the Expert ........................................7 Give a Taste of the Holidays ....................7
Area Agency on Aging 1-B
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