It’s often said that giving back gives back to you, and nowhere is that more evident than in the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging (BCAAA) Positively Aging Volunteer Program. With over 240 volunteers providing thousands of hours of service each year, the program isn’t just helping seniors; it’s building relationships, restoring purpose, and creating thriving community ties for adults of all ages.
“When people ask me what the Positively Aging Volunteer Program is all about, I tell them it’s about impact on the volunteers and the people they serve,” said Stephanie Schwartz, BCAAA Volunteer Coordinator. “About 90 percent of our volunteers are 55 and older, and many come to us because they want to give back. Some of them have benefitted from our services or had a family member who has, and they want to pay that forward.”
From delivering meals to homebound seniors to providing Medicare counseling and advocating for long-term care residents, Positively Aging volunteers are a lifeline in Bucks County, and the work they do goes far beyond logistics.
“At this moment,” said Schwartz, “our greatest need is volunteers for meal delivery and meal preparation for our nutrition program. We operate at 11 senior centers across Bucks County. Volunteers help hand out meals to those who come in to eat, also called congregate meals, and others pick up food to deliver to seniors at home. Our volunteers are the connection point for so many of these individuals. They might be the only face that some of our homebound clients see all week, so they become the eyes and ears of this agency.”
For those volunteers, it’s about more than just dropping off food. “They feel a sense of purpose that they’re interacting with people in a deeply meaningful way.” Schwartz described.
Lisa Hall, M.S., L.P.C., Volunteer Program Supervisor at the BCAAA, explained that the motivations of older adult volunteers often stem from a lifetime of skill and care, qualities that naturally find new expression through service.
“A lot of our volunteers have been caregivers,” said Hall. “They cared for a spouse, a parent, a child, or even grandchildren. When that caregiving role changes or ends, many people still want to give and nurture. They have a wealth of life experience and emotional intelligence. Volunteering gives them a renewed sense of usefulness and an opportunity to apply their skills in a meaningful way.”
Hall added that many volunteers come with professional backgrounds, such as teachers, nurses, executives, and engineers, and that the Positively Aging program meets people where they are. “They don’t necessarily want to go back to a nine-to-five job. They want something flexible, where they can pick and choose how they contribute.”
Schwartz helps guide every new volunteer through that journey. “I meet with each and every one personally,” she said. “They complete a form that tells us about their interests, their work history, and what kind of tasks they enjoy. Then we talk about what they’re looking for; how often they want to volunteer, what kind of commitment they can make. Some volunteer once a year at the Senior Games. Others deliver meals twice a week or provide year-round Medicare counseling.”
Some positions are more intensive and require special training. “We have three programs that involve significant certification,” said Schwartz. “Our Ombudsman program, which advocates for long-term care residents, requires state certification and training through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. Our PA MEDI program, Medicare Education and Decision Insight, also requires certification and includes supervised counseling sessions. And we have our Health and Wellness program, where volunteers undergo training to teach classes throughout the community.”
Even for these more involved roles, Hall emphasized, the right volunteer will find the process rewarding. “These volunteer opportunities are for the lifelong learner, someone who’s retired but still wants to grow. We’ve had volunteers in their 80s and even 90s serving as Medicare counselors and supporting our nutrition programs. They thrive on staying active and informed.”
But volunteering isn’t just about staying busy. Research shows that volunteering significantly improves mental and physical health, enhances social connections, and instills a deeper sense of purpose and well-being. For many Positively Aging participants, the psychological benefits are as important as the practical ones.
“In my opinion,” said Hall, “the greatest benefit is the engagement and connectedness. Having a reason to get up, a place to be, and a sense of purpose; those things are vital. We have volunteers who attend monthly meetings and genuinely miss the interaction if we ever cancel one. They enjoy being part of a group. They share stories, family photos, even lunch together. It’s a deeply enriching experience.”
Schwartz agreed, pointing out that many friendships are born through the program. “It’s being part of something bigger than yourself. And especially for our home-delivered meal volunteers, they become trusted visitors to clients who often feel isolated. They’re not just bringing food; they’re bringing care, consistency, and connection.”
Schwartz added, “We look for volunteers who are empathetic, friendly, have strong communication skills, and genuinely want to make a difference. By matching each volunteer with an opportunity that is a good fit, they're fulfilled and eager to keep coming back.”
The program is always looking for new members to join the more than 400 active volunteers. Those interested can complete the Volunteer Enrollment Form and submit it via email, mail, or fax. Also, contact Stephanie Schwartz directly at sbschwartz@buckscounty.org or by calling 267-880-5700.
