Giving Back Keeps Seniors at East Ridge at Cutler Bay Young at Heart
CUTLER BAY, Fla., Sept. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Active retirement communities like East Ridge at Cutler Bay (www.EastRidgeAtCutlerBay.com) most often find residents increasing their volunteer service both within and outside their communities.
"Sooner or later, almost everyone who lives here finds themselves devoting as much or more time to assisting their community than they were able to provide in pre-retirement living," said East Ridge's Marketing Director Rick Drew. "Here, residents have played active roles in the community's growth and improvements throughout our 50-plus year history, including their service on community committees. Each year committee members are elected to further expand resident participation and these volunteers find their work extremely gratifying."
For example, enthusiastic residents assist at the Health Center, Library and Lifestyle Center while others help keep sales humming at the community's Thrift Shop and Garden Center.
Others who previously volunteered at churches, civic and cultural organizations on a limited schedule now find increased hours to devote to a favorite nonprofit organization. Residents can leave the community in the morning and return in the evening without worrying about household chores and repairs. Also, having a community restaurant available means they can have dinner onsite or pick up a to-go meal.
Throughout southwest Miami-Dade County, there are scores of nonprofit, civic and cultural institutions welcoming these senior volunteers who pledge continuing hours of service.
At Zoo Miami for example, East Ridge residents Ron and Katherine Medford are consummate volunteers. They are a dedicated couple who find fulfillment in helping the zoo achieve its mission of wildlife conservation and education.
A 2008 study in a long-term care setting revealed that residents who volunteered experienced slower health deterioration than non-volunteers. A study in 2009 showed that having a strong sense of life purpose is associated with lower mortality rates. Volunteer work was listed as one way seniors can find this sense of purpose.
"We're fortunate to have an active community that taps their cultural, environmental and artistic pursuits as volunteers," added Drew. "Finding retirement fulfilling is a real benefit of living at East Ridge at Cutler Bay."
For more information about East Ridge, please call (305) 256-3564.
SOURCE East Ridge at Cutler Bay
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