Without question, there is a positive impact on older adults who receive companionship or transportation from volunteers, but often less discussed is the positive impact these activities and experiences have on the volunteer.

Student volunteers experience increased academic development and life skills, according to a study from Alexander W. Astin and Linda J. Sax in 1998 titled “How Undergraduates Are Affected by Service Participation.”

“I notice a change in students who volunteer,” said Katie Newton, program coordinator and student advisor for the Gerontology Academic Program (GAP) at the Sanford Center for Aging. “Their perspectives and appreciation change, and they grow both emotionally and professionally.”

Also known as service-learning, community education is integrated across various disciplines at the University including social work, nursing, education and more. As part of the curriculum, a GAP minor requires 135 hours of engaged learning with hands-on experience with an older adult.

“The face-to-face interaction with older adults creates a strong connection,” said Aimee Gallardo, a senior in public health who will graduate in Fall 2026. She is also pursuing a GAP minor and is an administrative volunteer with the Sanford Center for Aging. “Through this experience, I am developing a deeper sense of compassion. It’s very different from learning about these topics in a classroom — being able to witness the work of the team firsthand has shaped how I carry myself. I’ve become more intentional and patient by observing their example.”

Volunteering improves physical and mental health for the volunteer according to the Mayo Clinic, contributing to a sense of purpose and valuable skills.

“Sometimes it feels like I’m doing something small,” said Kristina Knight, a senior in social work who will graduate in May 2026. She is also completing a GAP minor and is an administrative volunteer with the Sanford Center for Aging. “But I am an ear to listen to them when they may have no one else, hearing about the wisdom and experiences they have from their life, there’s so much for them to share and I always want to know more.”

At Sanford Center for Aging, volunteer opportunities provide unique insights into working with older adults and providing resources and support for an often-isolated population.

“Although not required, Sanford Center for Aging provides a natural fit for volunteer hours,” said Newton. “Volunteering provides students an opportunity to connect with a community they may not be able to find on their own. Most students have stereotypes about aging before working with older adults, and by volunteering, they can see first-hand what it is like to live at home and grow older within a community.”

Students who volunteer with Sanford Center for Aging have a few options when working with older adults:

• Companionship: The Senior Outreach Services (SOS) program was founded in 2002. It provides free, volunteer-based companionship to adults in Washoe County age 60 and older who are socially isolated, lonely, and residing in a private home setting, who typically qualify as low-income, and are seeking social visits. Volunteers are individually matched with a program participant and generally visit weekly, providing emotional support and friendship, sharing a skill or hobby together, helping navigate through difficult decisions, and assisting with access to essential resources.
• Transportation: The Volunteer Transportation Program (VTP) provides an alternative ride option for older adults who cannot drive themselves. Volunteers drive personal vehicles and select rides from an online system based on their schedules and locations. This is a door-through-door service, meaning volunteers escort individuals from their front doors, walk with them to the vehicle, and walk them into their appointment or errand at their request.
• Health and Wellness: The health and wellness programs provide free, evidence-based workshops in the community on a variety of topics. Volunteers assist with facilitating events, preparing for the event or registering participants.

“Becoming a volunteer is easy,” said Crissa Markow, director of community services at the Sanford Center for Aging. “Our team will take care of you every step of the way. We want volunteering to be an enjoyable, positive experience, especially for students who may not have previous experience. Our volunteers are essential to the services we provide, and we believe in showing our appreciation. We offer training, mileage reimbursement, monthly support groups, supplemental insurance and appreciation activities. If you aren't sure what to expect, just give us a call or fill out our online form, and we will be happy to chat with you."