Seniors Benefit From Volunteering at Middlesex

The phones at Middlesex Hospital’s information desk are ringing, people are asking for directions, blood samples need to be picked up and flowers need to be delivered. To some, the scene may appear chaotic. To Jim Kiczuk and Carol Guire, it is the norm.

“That’s our job,” they both say, explaining that they volunteer every Wednesday and work together to staff the Hospital’s information desk.

Kiczuk, a resident of Cobalt, is 69 and retired. He started volunteering at the Hospital more than three years ago after his doctor recommended that he exercise more. He joined the Middlesex YMCA and decided volunteering at the Hospital, which is within walking distance of the gym, would also keep him active.

Like Kiczuk, Guire, 60, is also retired. Her mother was a long-time volunteer at the Hospital, and the Middletown resident decided it was time to give back to her community.

It is not unusual for older adults to volunteer. A 2015 Corporation for National and Community Service report states that more than 21 million older adults volunteer throughout the country, contributing more than 3.3 billion hours of service in their communities. Nearly a quarter of those individuals are 55 or older, and they often use the skills they learned throughout their lives to make a difference.

At the Hospital, there are currently 415 volunteers. Of that, 51 percent are 60 or older.

In addition to helping others and saving organizations money, volunteering allows older adults to live an active, healthy lifestyle. Research says that older adults can benefit from volunteering both mentally and physically in several ways. For example, volunteering can help lower mortality rates, increase strength and energy, decrease rates of depression and result in fewer physical limitations.

For Kiczuk and Guire, volunteering at the Hospital is rewarding. While there are happy and sad moments, they feel fortunate to be able to witness different facets of life, and they do their best to help as needed.

“This is reality right here,” says Kiczuk, gesturing toward the Hospital lobby.

The Hospital values its volunteers and appreciates their generosity. The Hospital’s main campus in Middletown and its satellite locations offer several volunteer opportunities for individuals of all ages, including senior citizens. A four-part application process is required to ensure the safety of both volunteers and patients.

To learn about volunteering at the Hospital, visit www.middlesexhospital.org, call 860-358-6735 or email kate.kearns@midhosp.org.