Elderly Volunteers in Koreatown Find Purpose in Life

The workplace of 74-year-old Cha Seung-pyo is on the first floor corridor of the LA Korean Community Center. It is here at the LA Korean Association offices, that Cha spends his weekdays as a volunteer. For the past five years, he has offered his services from Monday to Friday, assisting Korean seniors with matters such as utility bill inquiries,transportation cards and applying for senior housing.

When we met recently, Cha was  busy at work, with his laptop open and surrounded by paperwork. 

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Grandfather Cha Seung-pyo has been volunteering as a bill payment agent at the LA Korean Center for 5 years. 

Hyoungjae Kim

“I used to be a public servant for many years," Cha said. "Administrative tasks have become second nature to me. After retiring, staying home would have been a waste. I come out to help Koreatown residents with their English documents. People are always so grateful when their issues are resolved, and that makes me feel good, too."

For Cha and other seniors, volunteer work can combat isolation, provide a sense of purpose and confer a host of health benefits. Research has confirmed the positive effects of volunteering on seniors’ lives. The health benefits that come from volunteering, for those 55 and older, according to the Corporation for National and Community Services (CNCS), include preventing dementia and reducing depression.

The report also noted that volunteering offers seniors opportunities for achievement, personal growth, and meaningful relationships. An estimated 84% of seniors who volunteered for more than two years reported improved or stable health, and 78% of those showing multiple symptoms of depression saw a reduction in their  symptoms after two years. Additionally, 88% of those who felt they lacked friends reported a decrease in loneliness after two years of volunteering.

Medical experts often encourage senior volunteering, pointing to its benefits in managing health and chronic conditions. Dr. Lee Dong-soo, director of the Vermont Geriatric Health Center, said that volunteering can lead to improved sleep, reduced stress, enhanced self-esteem, and prevention of depression.

Dr. Kim Ja-sung, a psychiatrist, emphasized that volunteering helps shift mental energy from negative to positive states, providing a sense of purpose and enhancing self-worth. Engaging with others, particularly younger people, can also be a source of joy.

Back at the Community Center, Cha takes his role seriously despite the unpaid nature of volunteer work. He wakes up at 6 a.m. preparing to make the hour-long journey to the center on foot for his health. By 9 a.m., he is at his desk, ready to assist an average of 20 individuals daily with their various needs, until 3 p.m.

“Many need helps understanding whether the mail they receive is related to medical documents, CalFresh, or just advertisements,” he said. “Some come to me feeling anxious and unable to sleep because they are uncertain about their English mail. Hearing their stories can be quite frustrating and heartbreaking. Seeing these individuals solve their document problems here gives me a sense of accomplishment.”

His dedication has paid off; Cha sayshe has made no mistakes during his five years of volunteering. When asked about his motivation for continuing as a full-time volunteer, he points to to the positive impact on his  health and the sense of fulfillment he gains  from helping others.

Across LA’s Korean community, volunteers in their 60s to 80s are actively involved in various organizations, including the LA Korean Association, Minjok School, and the Korea Town Senior and Community Center Los Angeles (KSCCLA). These seniors often dedicate their time to serving othersdespite their health challenges.

During July, the newspaper spoke with over 10 senior volunteers. The most common motivation for their volunteer work was the desire for “a healthy old age and a life that benefits others,” as one senior put it? While they admitted to feeling stressed and burdened at times, they expressed a strong desire to continue volunteering as long as their health permits, finding joy in their contributions.

At KSCCLA, the first-floor information desk is handled by a dedicated team: Choi Ki-yul, 77, Jung In-sook, 78, Yoon Young-hee, 68, Victoria Lee, 69, and Lee Hyo-ki, 59. Their responsibilities include cleaning and maintaining the center, assisting with Metro card applications, processing event ticket requests, and guiding and signing up for over 40 free classes.

Choi Ki-yul, who has been volunteering since the center’s opening 13 years ago, said that he had initially started volunteering to manage his health, but “meeting various people and engaging in conversation has brightened my own outlook. As long as my health allows, I want to continue helping and guiding those who come here."

Victoria Lee, who handles documents, expressed gratitude to her father for teaching her to read English, which allows her to assist seniors with their paperwork. 

Preventing Depression and Dementia Through Volunteering

Jung In-sook, a former businesswoman, began volunteering after retiring, which helped her overcome depression that arose from a lack of social interaction . "I was alone at home, which made me feel down," she said. "Starting volunteering eight years ago, I met many people, which alleviated my fears of dementia and gave me vitality in all aspects of life."

Jung also finds satisfaction in maintaining her work habits through volunteering, guiding seniors at the center, and recommending tailored classes. 

Yoon Young-hee, who has been volunteering for seven years, attributes her improved self-esteem to her volunteer work. She described how, after raising her children and experiencing depression, she found renewed purpose and energy through volunteering. Yoon emphasized her joy in contributing to the community and the importance of volunteering for maintaining physical and mental health.

The Worthwhile Investment of Time and Effort

Senior volunteers often contribute substantial personal time.Some even contribute significant personal funds for their causes.

Myung Won-sik, 67, president of the youth environmental cleanup group PAVA World, has donated $20,000 annually to youth scholarships for the past eight years. His apparel company, DreamUSA, also supports scholarship funding. Myung, who leads 750 youth volunteers in environmental and community service projects in Southern California every Saturday, finds great joy in watching the volunteers grow as they continue to help others. 

“My reason for leading these efforts is that life begins and ends with nothing,” Myung said. “I want to do meaningful work until I leave this world.”

Balancing Personal Life and Volunteer Work

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Senior volunteers from the Korean-American Women's Association are knitting.

Hyoungjae Kim

While senior volunteering often brings significant health benefits, seniors should consider their own health and capabilities when planning their volunteer commitments, medical experts said.

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Many senior volunteers set specific hours, such as two to three days a week, or four to five hours daily, to maintain a structured routine. Choi Ki-yul, for example, volunteers five days a week but reserves his afternoons for personal time. 

The Korean-American Women’s Association’s 180 senior volunteers engage in activities like knitting and sewing for charitable causes. Director Choi Ji-a noted that many of these long-time volunteers guide newcomers, fostering a supportive environment.

Experts stress the importance of assessing one’s health and consulting with physicians before starting volunteer work. Dr. Lee recommended setting realistic activity limits and prioritizing safety. Dr. Kim advised gradually testing one's capabilities and avoiding overexertion to prevent negative experiences.