The Difference Giving Makes
In the book “Joyspan,” gerontologist Dr. Kerry Burnight identifies four active behaviors that help people thrive in the second half of life: Grow, Connect, Adapt, and Give. This blog series has examined the first three and now turns attention to the fourth pillar: Give. Defined more broadly than charitable donations or volunteering, giving is sharing yourself to enrich the lives of others. It can mean sharing time, energy, skills, or compassion.
Giving takes many forms, and it doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Caring for someone, sharing knowledge or passions, nurturing relationships, or contributing to the community are all examples of giving.
Burnight explains that giving benefits the giver as well as the recipient. As people age and their roles and priorities change, finding meaningful ways to contribute helps maintain a sense of purpose and connection. The book also points to research that shows people who regularly give of themselves experience lower levels of stress, better immune function, and increased life expectancy. Giving reduces cortisol levels and activates neural pathways linked to reward and fulfillment.
At Lenbrook, there is a deeply ingrained culture of giving both internally and towards the Atlanta community. In keeping with its not-for-profit status, Lenbrook Philanthropy brings together residents, associates, board members, and their families who are deeply committed to philanthropy. For many Lenbrook Residents, that commitment takes shape through opportunities to give their time, talents, and resources to others.
Backpack Buddies is one example. Each week during the school year, Lenbrook Residents purchase, pack, and deliver backpacks of non-perishable food to a local school. This important effort has helped address the food needs of at-risk students and enhanced their mental and physical health and ability to learn. It has also provided an enriching way for Lenbrook Residents to engage with the community.
Several other groups have formed at Lenbrook to help others, such as the Knit & Stitch Group knitting caps and blankets for newborns and preemies at Grady Hospital, and the Library Committee donating books to the Georgia Department of Corrections. Residents also hosted a food drive donating good to First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta’s neighborhood food pantry.
This culture of giving also extends to Lenbrook Associates. Resident-driven philanthropy supports associates in pursuit of their professional aspirations and in times of personal hardship.
The Associate Education Fund provides financial scholarships to associates who are committed to furthering their education, have demonstrated strong potential for career advancement and are driven to achieve excellence. The Associate Hardship Fund offers financial assistance to associates facing severe challenges due to unexpected, catastrophic events that threaten their ability to meet essential living expenses. Together, these programs exemplify the deep connection between Lenbrook Associates and the community they serve, fostering a culture of compassion and shared purpose.
For Lenbrook Resident and “Joyspan” book club participant Helene Zusmann, giving can be as simple as making someone’s day brighter. She makes a point of complimenting people and enjoys seeing how they light up when she notices them. “I like to make people happy in little ways,” she said. “Those small acts of kindness and connection contribute to our well-being and help us enjoy the day.”
Ms. Zusmann also recognizes that many opportunities to give require time and effort. She said at this stage of her life, one of the most meaningful things she can give is her time. She does that through volunteering, helping others, and taking a moment to make someone feel seen.
In “Joyspan,” Burnight connects giving with a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment. That idea is reflected at Lenbrook, where residents have many opportunities to share their time, talents, and passions in ways that benefit others and bring meaning to their own lives.