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How about giving yourself the present of a long life this Christmas—keep working! A long-term study has found that continuing to work whether for pay or as a volunteer in later life is a major determinant of longevity. The study, conducted by researchers in Israel, followed 1,000 men and women born in 1920 for the past 14 years. Participants who continued to work at age 70 and beyond were 2.5 times as likely to be alive at age 82 as those who were retired and not working. The study also found that volunteering after age 70 provided many of the same health benefits as paid work. The research discovered that the benefits of staying active either for pay or as a volunteer were due to something other than simply keeping busy, higher economic status or regular interaction with others. According to Dr. Yoram Maaravi, the study leader, "I think it's more profound, having to do with satisfaction in life, meaning in life." He concluded by recommending that, "If you like working, try to keep working. If you don't like your job, try to find something that is meaningful that keeps you active." And that’s where RSVP comes in!

This holiday season look at the opportunities through your community and churches that will get you out of the house and thinking about other people. Many special programs are available only at this time of the year and you can be a part of them. Some of the volunteer jobs in agencies that need extra help are:

• Assist at the Buddy Holly Center in many ways with their all day open house on December 11 and/or help the Exhibition Coordinator with the installation of the fine arts exhibit during the week of the 13th. During the year, volunteer to help out in the gift shop, become a docent, or assist with an arts workshop. 

• Collect and distribute winter coats for Catholic Family Services, Inc. from November 20th through December 31st or volunteer to help with a holiday party for neighborhood youth during early December. 

• Help Lubbock Habitat for Humanity build homes for families in need each Saturday in November and December from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or adopt a Habitat family for the Christmas holidays. 

• Usher for the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops concert at the First Baptist Church on December 4, 2004 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

• Volunteer anytime your schedule permits with Ronald McDonald House and provide an evening meal for a family. You can also help with light office work, answering phones or driving the RMH van to and from hospitals to transport families. 

• Join South Plains Food Bank on their Saturday Volunteer Days December 4th and 11th from 9 a.m. until noon. You can also volunteer to make and distribute holiday boxes on December 18th and December 20th through 23rd from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. or help at their annual “U Can Share Drive” on Monday, December 6th through Saturday, December 11th, during the hours of 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Assistance is also needed for the “U Can Win Auction” on Tuesday, December 7th. 

• Help Women’s Protective Services decorate the shelter for Christmas! Volunteer to help sort and wrap gifts for clients from December 20th - 24th. Help set up Christmas Drive drop-off locations or pick up donations. Assist with holiday parties for clients through December 20th. 

As we enter this season of giving, help others and maybe even help yourself to a longer and more interesting life!

To volunteer, or for more information about these or other volunteer positions, please call the RSVP office at 742-2423.

HOW do I join RSVP?
Becoming a member of RSVP is simple as long as you are at least 55 and have some time to volunteer. Just call the office at 742-2423 and chat with Ronda Casey or Bonne Phillips about your interests. If you are not certain what you would like to do, we can mention several current volunteer opportunities and send you a list of the sort of jobs which RSVP members are presently doing to whet your appetite. If you have a special skill or talent that you would like to utilize, we will search to find just the right job for you. Just mail in the enrollment form (requires Adobe Reader) and we will call you!