A Volunteer's Perspective: Caring for Others is So Important

Written by AARP NH Volunteer Dane Peters

It is important to note how much my wife and I enjoy our AARP volunteer opportunities, especially when they involve giving care for senior citizens. We initially got connected to AARP volunteering during the 2016 presidential election. That ultimately inspired us to follow AARP’s goals for caring for others, especially supporting senior citizens.

Early on we connected with an all-volunteer performance group for seniors by seniors. They offered a program specifically for seniors who, as volunteers, performed skits to seniors who were connected to senior living centers. Essentially, our volunteer group met weekly to choose, discuss, and rehearse short plays to perform. We chose and fashioned many scripts that were read and performed. We read from scripts in front of our audiences — no costumes, settings, or spotlights; just the characters talking to one another. We would spend about 30 minutes for each show, performing humorous skits. Yet, many of the skits and one-liners focused on issues AARP focuses on such as memory loss, aging bodies, and how things take on new meaning as we age.

Like AARP’s dedication to serving New Hampshire, our acting troupe traveled throughout the southern parts of the state — including the seacoast — performing our skits. Our audience’s appreciation was overwhelming, and seeing those who were limited because of a disability — physical or mental — inspired us to be our very best. The gratification of watching our audience members laugh and clap was phenomenal, and the bottom line in this activity was what we were giving to those seniors who were in assisted living facilities. They truly loved the performances that helped them relax, laugh, and enjoy the entertainment. AARP supports aging seniors in so many ways.

AARP caregiving resources can be found at www.aarp.org/caregiving