By JOLENE NIERNBERGER

Special to The Hays Daily News

In a 2009 study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, researchers found volunteer service, such as tutoring children, can help older adults delay or reverse declining brain function.

Using magnetic resonance imaging, it was found that seniors who participated in a youth mentoring program gained in key brain regions, specifically, areas of the brain that support the ability to plan and organize one's daily life.

The study demonstrates social service programs that engage seniors in volunteer service not only benefit those served, but those who volunteer as well. The study is published in the December issue of the Journals of Gerontology: Medical Services.

While this is a first-of-its-kind study that demonstrates the value of social service programs on the health of older participants, the study's results are not news. Remaining active, both physically and mentally, contributes to the health and well-being of older persons. By volunteering to address important societal needs, a win-win situation is achieved.

Individuals of retirement age are the fastest growing sector of the U.S. population. It is important to preserve cognitive and physical abilities of the population, but it also is important to engage individuals in roles that are fulfilling and will help meet the growing social needs in our communities.

Volunteering as a Foster Grandparent is a way to accomplish both. The program, sponsored by Fort Hays State University, engages persons age 55 and older who want to share their wisdom, time and experiences, helping children with special needs. They are role models, mentors and friends, serving in schools, day care centers, Head Start and other youth facilities. They help children learn to read, provide one-on-one tutoring and guide children at a critical time in their lives by giving comfort and love that can set a child on the path to a successful future.

Some Foster Grandparent volunteers can qualify to earn a tax-free, hourly stipend. All Foster Grandparents receive orientation, training, supplemental accident and liability insurance, and recognition for their service.

The program is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service and sponsored by FHSU. Foster Grandparents serve in Barton, Ellis, Ford, Gove, Graham, Norton, Pawnee, Rooks, Russell, Thomas and Trego counties.

Volunteering as a Foster Grandparent does not just help the children who are served. It helps the volunteer by leading to new discoveries and new friends. Stay sharp. Share today. Shape tomorrow. Become a Foster Grandparent.

For more information, call (785) 628-5809.

Jolene Niernberger is director of the

Foster Grandparent Program.