50+ Lifestyles

The Many Benefits of Volunteering

By Peggy Dykes
Community Relations Director
Milestone’ Area Agency on Aging

Volunteering is one of the most effective ways to promote positive and immediate change within communities, and seniors are making great strides with their efforts. They like the sense of well-being and the health benefits that volunteering can offer. Not only can one stay both physically and mentally active but volunteering can help combat isolation and loneliness. Studies show one-in-four individuals ages 65 and over completed volunteer service in one way or another within the last year. Perhaps with the beginning of nice weather, we can inspire ourselves, friends, family, and neighbors to dedicate even a small portion of time to improve the community that we live in.

Volunteering can take on various forms depending on your interest. There are many non-profits, churches, schools and other organizations that can benefit from volunteers whether it’s answering a phone, mentoring children or tending a community garden.

Here at Milestones Area Agency on Aging, we are seeking individuals to volunteer with the nationwide Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program.  SMP is a group of highly trained
volunteers who teach others about health care fraud. SMP volunteers show Medicare and Medicaid recipients and their families how to protect against, detect, and report fraud. SMP believes that working with healthcare users to prevent fraud will protect the individual’s health, health benefits and strengthen Medicare and Medicaid.

Volunteers use their time and experience to help people with Medicare and Medicaid protect their identity, read their Medicare Summary Notices and avoid falling for scams. They work one-on-one with beneficiaries, give presentations to groups, and represent the SMP at events. Training is provided along with monthly updates.

If this sounds interesting, we would like to hear from you. Please call Sonita at Milestones for more information, 1-855-410-6222. Go to www.smpresource.org for detailed information about fraud and abuse as well as the SMP program.

Peggy Dykes is Community Relations Director at Milestones Area Agncy on Aging. She can be reached at (563) 324-9085, ext. 212 or at pdykes@milestones aaa.org.