Some older people volunteer because they want to remain useful or keep busy, while others say they like how volunteering makes them feel. And then are those who simply want to make changes in the world around them while doing some good for someone else.

The reasons may be as varied as the individuals, but the end result is the same. Many people’s lives are improved because of the gift of time.

Eastern Agency on Aging has more than 700 volunteers ranging in age from mid-teens to mid-90s, each one unique – but with a shared goal of helping the elderly. Especially inspiring are those who, though elderly themselves, work tirelessly assisting a peer in need.

Last week we talked about RSVP, a program of United Way of Eastern Maine, that matches individuals with volunteer opportunities in the area. Volunteers to transport elderly citizens are in demand.

Many seniors who do not drive, are isolated or have limited access to family and friends, depend on these drivers to help them with common activities the rest of us may take for granted.

Getting to the grocery store, church or doctor’s office can be challenging. Volunteer drivers can supply peace of mind to an elderly person who may be worried about keeping medical appointments or going shopping for food.

Some Eastern Agency programs are in need of volunteers as well.

While we are on the subject of driving, Meals for Me often needs people to deliver meals to homebound elderly. The home delivery program is designed to provide hot nutritious meals to those who are unable to prepare a well-balanced meal themselves due to a physical or mental limitation.

Recipients generally have no one to prepare a meal for them. Often the delivery driver is the only human contact the older person will have in the course of a day.

Meals are delivered Monday through Friday. Some volunteers work every day, while others prefer one day per week or even once a month. The shifts usually last a couple of hours.

Now, if you do not drive but would still like to contribute some time to Meals for Me, you may volunteer in one of the community dining rooms. People willing to set the tables, serve, and clean up are always helpful. Some of the dining rooms have games such as beano before or after lunch, and those also utilize volunteers.

The Tax and Rent Refund program uses volunteers to assist clients in completing the forms correctly. This is done either in the Eastern Agency on Aging offices or in the client’s homes. Volunteers may also be asked to speak to, and educate, groups at public locations about the program.

“You’d be appalled at what some people live on,” said Gary Page, Tax and Rent volunteer. “I see people who could really benefit from other Eastern Agency services so I help them with that too. It is really gratifying.”

As income tax day looms, AARP is looking for Tax Aide Volunteers.

“Volunteers, trained by AARP, are available in our Bangor offices Tuesdays and Fridays from mid-February through April 15 to help people with their taxes,” said Roberta Macko, director of volunteer services at EAA.

Another area where volunteers are needed is Maine Medicare Education Partnership, which is a collaborative effort by the Bureau of Elder and Adult Services, Maine’s five Area Agencies on Aging and Legal Services for the Elderly. This partnership brings together volunteers, and public and private agencies.

Volunteers who wish to be Community Medicare Advocates will be trained to educate seniors about the Medicare program and how they can assist in the effort to identify and reduce the incidences of errors, fraud, waste and abuse.

Volunteers may be required to visit client’s homes in order to provide assistance with their Medicare concerns, deliver presentations to the community at large and, on a monthly basis, complete and turn in activity logs to the volunteer coordinator.

“Volunteering is important because there are many needs out there,” said Macko. “Our volunteers have logged many thousands of hours. We couldn’t do all we do without them.”

Every year Eastern Agency has a Volunteer Recognition party complete with prizes and certificates of appreciation.

For Larry Johnson the act of volunteering is its own reward.

“I enjoy it because I know I’m helping and bringing a smile to someone’s face, and I have always had a love for the elderly,” said Johnson. “I get satisfaction just making other people happy.”

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For more information on volunteering for Eastern Agency or the qualifying criteria for each volunteer position, call Roberta Macko at 941-2865.