Need something done? Ask a volunteer. From championing a cause to serving those in need, volunteers freely contribute their time and energy toward building a better world. And on International Volunteer Day, observed every year on December 5, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of volunteers and reflect on the vital role they play.

Volunteering is the lifeblood of Blue Skies of Texas senior living community in San Antonio. Ever since our founding as Air Force Village in 1964, residents and staff have dedicated themselves to building a culture of service. Let’s meet one of our tireless resident volunteers and explore some of the health benefits of volunteering for seniors.

A Thrifty Way to Help Our Blue Skies Family

One reason Susan S. and her husband Keith chose Blue Skies was our community’s “can-do” attitude—everyone contributes and looks out for one another. Susan, a former teacher, has been doing her part by volunteering at our West Campus Thrift Shop for more than six years. She also manages the furniture Thrift Shop, located in The Lakes cottages.

“As people move to assisted living or skilled nursing, they’ll donate some of their furniture and other household items,” Susan explains. “We help them clean the items and get them ready to sell. It’s a lot of work, and I couldn’t do it without the four hard-working women on my team.”

So where do all the proceeds go? Right back into the Blue Skies community. “Over the past four years, we’ve raised almost $240,000 between the two Thrift Shops, and much of it goes toward medical equipment for our Freedom House and Liberty House,” Susan says. “It’s a great feeling to know we’re making a tangible impact!”

The Thrift Shop’s annual Christmas sale is a must-do event at our San Antonio retirement community. Residents and staff alike line up to buy (or sell) high-quality items like wreaths, trees, lights, and nativity sets. “Sometimes it’s a bit scary to see so many people waiting in line when we open the door,” Susan laughs.

She adds that one of the best parts of her work is when folks send her pictures of Christmas trees, sofas, or other items they bought. “I love knowing that we helped them furnish their home or make their holidays sparkle.”

Volunteering Doesn’t Just Help the Community … It Offers Health Benefits for Seniors

According to a 2020 study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, older adults who volunteer for as little as two hours per week can lower their risk of early death, boost physical activity, and improve their sense of well-being compared with those who don’t volunteer.

But that’s not all. Volunteering among older adults fosters social connections and helps strengthen communities. It also helps prevent social isolation, a major risk factor among seniors. For Susan, volunteering keeps her feeling energized, even when things get a bit hectic.

“Some days I’m running around in all directions, but it’s worth it because volunteering gives me a real sense of purpose,” she says. “There’s also a deep satisfaction that comes from making the best retirement community in Texas even better.”

Another health benefit of volunteering is maintaining mental wellness. Susan’s husband, Keith, volunteers (and keeps his mind sharp) by managing all the electronic devices that arrive at the Thrift Shop. “We have two laptops sitting on our breakfast bar waiting for Keith to erase their hard drives so we can sell them,” Susan laughs.

At Blue Skies, Opportunities Abound for Active Seniors Who Want to Serve Their Community

Every day seems to be International Volunteer Day at Blue Skies. Here are just a few of the ways folks here serve our community, both inside and outside our gates.

• Christmas decorating. At holiday time, our Blue Skies West arts and crafts group (the Dabblers) joins forces with the Thrift Shop to deck the halls of Liberty House.
• Reading to neighbors in hospice care. Volunteer readers share newspapers, devotionals, and funny stories with hospice patients, lifting their spirits and keeping them connected to the world around them.
• Mentoring youngsters. Retired officers from Blue Skies lend their time and talent to the Air Force Junior ROTC program at John Jay High and other San Antonio schools.
• Inspiring memories through music. Music can positively impact memory, emotional well-being, and cognitive function. Many of our independent living residents will regularly visit their Freedom House neighbors to share songs or videos of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and other timeless singers.
• Making their voices count. Once per month, our Resident Council gathers to discuss the business and finances of Blue Skies with our leadership team and report back to their neighbors. Folks really appreciate how open our operations are!

Blue Skies also presents a Distinguished Service Award to volunteers who go above and beyond the call of duty, and this year (to nobody’s surprise) the nod went to Susan and Keith. The pair humbly tried to decline the honor, but were told their names were already on the plaque. “I don’t volunteer for the glory,” Susan says. “I do it because the desire to serve is in my blood—just like everybody else here.”

A Place Where Everyone Contributes—and Has a Great Time Doing It

Susan estimates that if someone tallied up all the hours that folks at Blue Skies spend volunteering, it would run into the tens of thousands. And if you’re the type of senior who lives to serve others in your community, you’ll fit right in. You’ll also get to enjoy the advantages of a chore-free lifestyle, gracious amenities, and a nationally recognized continuum of high-quality healthcare.

To schedule your tour of our vibrant senior living community in San Antonio, click here or call 866-553-5389.