Across the country Senior Corps volunteers and adults age 55 and up are working with literacy organizations, educational institutions, hospitals, senior centers and faith-based organizations among others to make a difference in their communities.  Throughout the year, Senior Corps volunteers contribute to the health and vitality of their communities by meeting critical local needs, whether tutoring at–risk students, providing job training to veterans, supporting independent living, or responding to natural disasters.

This week September 19- 23 is designed to create awareness and recognition of senior service and to thank community partners and volunteers for the contribution they are making in society.  This year within The Corporation for National and Community Service's three Senior Corps programs – Foster Grandparents, RSVP, and Senior Companions there are more than 450,000 volunteers helping to solve world problems.

Not only does volunteering have a positive impact on the community, but it has shown to be a positive health benefit as well. Dr. Erwin Tan, Director of Senior Corps says,

“More than two decades of research establishes a strong relationship between volunteering and health, and we are seeing that those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression and disease later in life than those who do not volunteer.”

This year The Corporation for National and Community Service will recognize:

28,400 Foster Grandparents who tutored and mentored more than 247,000 children with special needs last year.

414,000 RSVP volunteers who provided 62 million hours of service last year and celebrating their 40th anniversary this year.

15,200 Senior Companions who enabled 68,000 frail seniors to remain independent.

See what's happening on the Senior Corps Facebook page.

Want to get involved in the week activities? Visit Serve.gov to find ways to get involved in Senior Corps Week.