What Are the Benefits for Senior Sage Leaders?

And there are two other benefits—intergenerational bestowal and sound physical and mental health:

The benefits I get from my civic involvements are personal fulfillment and self-actualization. But there is also the benefit that comes from generativity, the desire to want to leave something behind of lasting value. We have to connect with the young. They need us and we need them, and we have much to learn from one another. And there is a fourth benefit: sound physical and mental health. Our civic involvement in the organizations we love helps to prolong our lives by keeping our minds sharp and by fighting off the anxiety and depression that often come with the awareness of pending death.

What Are the Benefits I: Community Service

Like their emerging counterparts, senior sage leaders often speak of engaging the community through their volunteer work – the sense of belonging to a great cause that brings them together with kindred spirits. Their commitments and passions are especially exhibited and fulfilled through their favored organizations. They feel worthy and worthwhile because they have something to give, and their talents and experiences are recognized by others. Senior sages realize with pride that they possess the skills and motivation to make a difference, and to find others with whom they can share their experiences through collaboration. These colleagues possess complementary skills and also offer opportunities for senior sage leaders to build new and enduring friendships.

What are the Benefits II: Oxytocin and Community Bonding

We know from recent neurobiological research that a particular neurotransmitter called “oxytocin” is more common in human beings than in any other species. These neurotransmitters play a central role in the desire and capacity of human beings to bond with one another. While women tend to have higher concentrations of oxytocin than men, the levels in men increase with age. This offers a sound explanation for senior sage leaders of both genders greatly valuing the opportunity to come together with colleagues who share common interests, and who engage in collaborative efforts on behalf of the Grass Valley and Nevada City communities.