UMaine Center on Aging - RSVP Program

The mission of the UMaine Center on Aging is to promote and facilitate activities on aging in the areas of education, research and evaluation, and community service to maximize the quality of life of older citizens and their families in Maine and beyond. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program is one of 2 AmeriCorps Senior programs housed at the Center on Aging. Together, we support the Center's goal to Provide opportunities for older citizens to engage in productive activities that enhance the quality of their own lives and provide meaningful benefits to the communities in which they live. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a national AmeriCorps Seniors program that connects adults age 55 and older with volunteer opportunities at nonprofits, public agencies, and community organizations. Currently the UMaine Center on Aging RSVP program supports the Bone Builders program and works on food and transportation access issues throughout our region.

We are currently looking for Bone Builder Volunteer Leaders. Our main goal is to provide older adults in Maine the opportunity to participate in a free exercise program which research has shown to increase bone density by doing regular, slow/controlled, weight-bearing resistance exercises. By offering your time, you can help others in your community improve their health and live active healthy lives! Purpose of Service: Paired volunteers will conduct “Bone Builders” classes for older adults designed to prevent and/or reverse osteoporosis through strength training, balance exercises, and osteoporosis-related health education. Volunteers will describe and demonstrate exercises, offer tips for improving form, ensure the safety of all participants, and conduct classes twice weekly. Locations: Convenient public and/or nonprofit community settings throughout Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock, and Washington Counties. Note--if you are in an area outside our RSVP service area, please contact us about opportunities outside the area we cover through RSVP. Qualifications: The volunteer position requires the physical ability to demonstrate Bone Builders prescribed exercises, to verbally lead groups (10-15 participants) through the exercise protocol, and a willingness to be a co-leader. Description of Service Activity: Volunteers will coordinate with RSVP and site staff to schedule and safely lead exercise classes as well as offer educational materials twice weekly (not on consecutive days). Activities will be conducted in small to medium-sized groups, with some individual instruction for participants needing additional coaching. The program is designed to help older adults: -improve balance to protect against falls and fractures -increase muscle strength -enhance energy level and sense of well-being -gain education regarding diet, medications, & other information related to osteoporosis. Time Requirements: Classes run 1½ - 2 hours twice weekly during the daytime. Sessions are ongoing throughout the year. Training: Lay leaders and substitutes are trained and qualified by attending a six-hour workshop led by an experienced instructor. Periodic re-trainings are held. All volunteers are required to attend at least one re-training per year if offered by UMaine Center on Aging. Materials: Training manuals, hand weights, weighted ankle wraps, and various educational materials are supplied by UMaine Center on Aging RSVP.