How do you envision your life as you get older? Will you depend more on social services after retirement, or will you continue to actively engage in community activities and become a force for change? In reality, most seniors choose the latter option; their contributions to society never stop. At Chung Wah Community Care (CWCC), many volunteers are seniors over 65 who participate in various activities and projects at community hubs. These activities include cultural exchanges, skill sharing, and kitchen assistance, all of which support the daily operations and events at the community hubs.
Ms Cong, a 75-year-old CWCC volunteer, has been helping in the kitchen at the Balcatta Community Hub for three years. When she first started, she had never heard of seniors volunteering. She thought it was remarkable that older people could still shine and contribute to society. In her mind, seniors were simply recipients of social help. However, it wasn't until she met 88-year-old volunteer Uncle David and his 83-year-old wife, Jenny, at the community hub that she realised "Life can be lived in such a way."
Uncle David and Jenny arrived in Australia in 1997 and started volunteering two years later. For twenty-five years, they have remained active at the CWCC community hubs. Five days a week, Uncle David and Jenny are the first to support the community hub's kitchen, from preparing ingredients to washing dishes—nothing is too challenging for the couple. These activities have become a routine for them, and they firmly believe that as long as their health permits, they will not stop volunteering. Uncle David believed that volunteering gives them a sense of value and purpose, and more importantly, it is filled with joy and a sense of direction.
At the CWCC community hubs, there are numerous senior volunteers, such as Uncle David and Jenny. They not only contribute value to society but also form new social connections, turning their later years into the "golden age" of their lives. This admirable lifestyle inspires other seniors, encouraging them to adopt a new perspective on life. CWCC, with its strong sense of community and mutual support, offers a platform full of opportunities, enabling seniors to continue utilising their skills and passions in a familiar cultural setting. Through this mutual support, CWCC and the seniors collaborate to create a better community for everyone.
