Senior Volunteering: Good for Your Mind, Body–and Now, Your Wallet
It’s long been known that volunteering is good for the mind and body. As we’ve discussed previously, older people who volunteer live longer, have better strength and energy, and report less isolation and less depression. And soon, seniors’ wallets may also benefit from benevolence.
For seniors who volunteer in Rhode Island, there should soon be an additional benefit to their actions: a break on their property tax. Senator Coyne, who sponsored the law, notes that:
“Many older property owners, especially retirees, are struggling with the burden of their property taxes. By allowing them to reduce their tax liability through volunteering for their city or town, they can use some of their resources – time and skills – to ease the burden. … This is an idea that seniors and municipalities would benefit from equally. Seniors are very reliable volunteers who have had their skills and experience to offer their entire lives.”
The law would let each municipality set its own program to offer up to $1,500 in property tax credits per year to people ages 60 and up, in exchange for volunteer hours.
The bill has passed the General Assembly and is awaiting the Governor’s approval.
Volunteers are an essential part of society, especially as we emerge from the pandemic. They play roles such as:
- Addressing food insecurity through meal delivery, food pantries and lunch programs
- Keeping our natural world clean and beautiful by participating in park and beach cleanups and community gardening projects
- Helping kids and adults develop strong language and literacy skills
Much volunteering can even be done virtually or from the safety of home, such as:
- Making wellness and social check-in phone calls
- Sewing or knitting donations
- Leading an online storytime
- Mentoring
Those are just some ways that seniors can make important contributions to a safe and healthy community.
Visit the United Way of Rhode Island to find dozens of volunteer opportunities, and this Virtual Volunteering portal for roles that can be done from home.
You’ll also find information on volunteering for seniors through the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging. Learn about Project Hello, Senior Companions, Volunteer Guardians, Senior Medicare Patrol, and more.