Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code § 9118

The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (a) The talents of our older adults will prove to be vital to the prosperity and well-being of California. (b) California’s older adults possess experience and perspective that can be expanded through strong organizational associations. (c) California’s older adults represent enormous civic potential, and they are underutilized. (d) California’s older adults should be provided opportunities for civic involvement. (e) The AARP reports that two-thirds of its senior corps volunteers reported a decrease in isolation upon volunteering. (f) Sixty-seven percent of older adults who volunteer report that their social connectedness has increased because of the volunteer work. (g) Volunteering has been shown to reduce self-reported symptoms of depression in older adults. (h) Volunteer organizations maintain support for older adults and leverage individual interests and abilities through established community involvement (i) Volunteering or donating time to nonprofit organizations may be an ideal low-cost strategy to help improve health among older adults. (j) Volunteer roles that accommodate the variability of individual capabilities are likely to attract older volunteers who commit more and largely benefit from their experience. (k) California’s older adults should be provided an array of volunteer opportunities to ensure the choice and flexibility of engagement. (l) Extended periods of productivity in older adults contributes to improved health conditions and emotional well-being. (m) Volunteer organizations are an investment in human capital and support the advancement of California’s older adults and community at large.