The Impact of Spiritual Care: Helping People Find Peace and Purpose
The Impact of Spiritual Care: Helping People Find Peace and Purpose
For Michael Hedges, spiritual care is about meeting people where they are, helping families find peace, and making sure no one faces life’s most difficult moments alone.
By Melody Royse | October 21, 2026
SHOREVIEW, MN (October 21, 2026) — During Spiritual Care Week, October 18–24, we celebrate Michael and spiritual counselors across Ecumen who bring comfort and connection to people during life’s most challenging moments.
For 10 years, Michael has been a spiritual counselor at Ecumen, drawing on his 15 years of experience as a chaplain. He meets with patients and their families, leads services and hosts a grief support group twice a month. But perhaps his most important work happens in quieter moments: listening to a person’s life story, helping a family prepare to say goodbye or simply sharing a cup of coffee with someone who is grieving.
“I just fell in love with helping people one-on-one,” Michael says. “I think there’s a heavy taboo in being able to talk about death and dying. But at that point in life, many people feel a sense of release.”
While death can be difficult to discuss, Michael has learned that many people nearing the end of life have made peace with it.
“Many of the people I visit are ready. They’ve lived a good life and their friends are gone. Knowing that they can die well is a good way to say goodbye to this life.”
Spiritual care looks different for everyone. For some, it means prayer, Scripture or communion. Others may want to reflect on their lives, talk through their fears or reconnect with a faith community. Michael serves people of all religions and helps each person find the support that feels right for them.
“Dying is a spiritual process. It doesn’t mean it’s a religious one, but it’s a spiritual one,” he says.
His work extends beyond the patient to the people who love them. Sometimes, families need help accepting that a loved one is ready to die, even when they aren’t ready to let go. Michael helps them work through those feelings and find meaningful ways to preserve their loved one’s memories.
One way is through a legacy book, which gives a person the opportunity to share stories, experiences and wisdom with family members. These books become a lasting connection between generations, helping loved ones remember not only how someone died, but how they lived.
Spiritual care complements the physical and emotional support patients receive. Together, these forms of care help people work through questions about their future, their families and what gives their lives meaning. Spiritual care meets those deeper needs, offering comfort and support in ways that feel right for each person.
Michael knows that support doesn’t end when a patient’s life does. After a patient passes away, he makes condolence calls to family members. A few months ago, he reached out to a husband whose wife had died. Although the man seemed to be coping, Michael sensed he might benefit from a little more support.
Michael visited the man, and they shared a cup of coffee and talked. Later, the husband sent Michael a message to let him know he was doing well. For Michael, that follow-up was meaningful. Taking the time to sit together had helped the man find a sense of closure.
These moments are a reminder that spiritual care is not always about having the right words or answers. Sometimes, it’s about recognizing when someone needs support and being willing to show up.
Donor generosity helps make this work possible. Gifts can provide resources, such as legacy books and communion supplies, and help spiritual counselors offer personalized care that honors each person’s beliefs and traditions. Donor support can also fund continuing education, helping team members deepen their understanding of different faiths and cultures.
A serious illness, a health crisis or another unexpected change can leave people searching for purpose and reassurance. Your generosity helps ensure that, in those moments, people have someone to turn to.
This Spiritual Care Week, you can honor a spiritual counselor who has made a difference in your life, remember a loved one, or make a gift to help more people experience the comfort of spiritual care. Your support ensures that patients, families and team members receive the compassion and understanding they need, when they need it most.
About Ecumen
Ecumen is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing innovative housing, health care and community-based services that support older adults and strengthen communities. Mission-driven since its founding in 1862, Ecumen’s legacy of service reflects a commitment to honoring those it serves. Ecumen is based in Shoreview, Minn., and provides housing options such as independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. Its diverse in-home and community-based services include home care, hospice, physical and occupational therapy, and adult day services. For more information, visit www.ecumen.org.
Ecumen, University of Minnesota Establish Nursing Collaboratory
Ecumen, University of Minnesota Establish Nursing Collaboratory
By Lisa Hawks | October 20, 2026
SHOREVIEW, MN (October 20, 2026) — Ecumen, a leading nonprofit provider of senior housing and care for older adults, and the University of Minnesota School of Nursing announced the creation of a formal academic-practice partnership, or collaboratory, to generate, disseminate, and apply knowledge for the improvement of nursing practice, education, and patient outcomes.
Nursing collaboratories serve as incubators for creativity and innovation. They aim to develop new strategies to enhance nursing education and professional development, research, practice, diversity, inclusion and equity, and recruit top talent into nursing.
“This brings together the University of Minnesota School of Nursing’s research and educational expertise with the knowledge and experience of Ecumen’s nurses, team members, residents, and clients,” said Ecumen President and CEO Cyrus Batheja, EdD, MBA, RN, FAAN. “Together, we can translate knowledge into everyday improvements in care and quality of life, support our team members, and help prepare the next generation of nurses. We also see opportunities for older adults and students to share experiences, learn from one another, and enjoy meaningful connections.”
“This collaboratory with Ecumen reflects a shared commitment to whole-person care across every stage of life. It’s a powerful opportunity for us to learn alongside their residents and staff, truly understanding how housing, community, and health intertwine,” says Dean Connie White Delaney, PhD, RN, FAAN, FACMI, FNAP. “By bringing these insights directly into our curriculum and our research, we will be able to better prepare the compassionate, skilled nursing workforce Minnesota urgently needs.”
According to an American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and American Organization for Nursing Leadership task force, academic-practice partnerships are “an important mechanism to strengthen nursing practice and help nurses become well positioned to lead change and advance health.”
Ecumen becomes the School of Nursing’s 12th collaboratory, joining Allina Health, Children’s Minnesota, Essentia Health, Faith Community Nurse Network, Hennepin Healthcare, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Fairview Health Services, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota Hospital Association, PrairieCare, and HealthPartners. In 2024, AACN awarded the school an Exemplary Academic-Practice Partnership Award for its “collaboratory of collaboratories,” which gathers leaders quarterly to discuss best practices, coordinate goals, share education and research initiatives, and strengthen lines of communication.
About Ecumen
Ecumen is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing innovative housing, health care and community-based services that support older adults and strengthen communities. Mission-driven since its founding in 1862, Ecumen’s legacy of service reflects a commitment to honoring those it serves. Ecumen is based in Shoreview, Minn., and provides housing options such as independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. Its diverse in-home and community-based services include home care, hospice, physical and occupational therapy, and adult day services. For more information, visit www.ecumen.org.
50 Years and Counting — Ecumen Lakeshore Team Member Celebrates Milestone Anniversary
50 Years and Counting…
Ecumen Lakeshore team member celebrates milestone anniversary
By Lisa Hawks | October 9, 2026
SHOREVIEW, MN (October 9, 2026) — In 1975, when Cathy Firth started at Lakeshore as a dishwasher working alongside her mom, Gloria, in the kitchen, she knew she was in the right place.
“When I started there, making $2.12 an hour, the ladies working in the kitchen just wrapped me in their arms and I knew I’d found home right away,” Cathy said.
What she didn’t realize then is that it would be her work home for the next 50 years, because Ecumen Lakeshore is still home to Cathy. With no immediate plans to retire, she recently celebrated her 50 years with her colleagues, family, friends, as well as Lakeshore residents and tenants.
“In 50 years and counting, Cathy’s impact goes far beyond the years she’s put in,” said Cyrus Batheja, Ecumen president & CEO. “It’s really about the lives she’s touched and the relationships she’s built over the years, which is evident in the people who are here celebrating her today.”
Over the years, she’s taken on a number of roles, including becoming the first woman to serve as Lakeshore’s Environmental Services Manager. Now the receptionist, Cathy has seen incredible changes during her tenure and she’s shouldered tremendous responsibility, such as helping to move residents to Central High School (the highest point in Duluth) during the benzene spill in 1992. Through it all, she has found people — both her colleagues and the residents she serves — that she considers family.
And speaking of family, in addition to her mom who worked at Lakeshore in the 1970s, Cathy’s son and grandson also worked there – marking four generations of her family serving the Duluth community at Lakeshore.
Due to her years of service and dedication to the organization, Cathy is known as Lakeshore’s historian, but as Ecumen Lakeshore executive director, Blaine Gamst said, “Cathy doesn’t just remember Lakeshore’s history. She helped write the story.”
“Ecumen has been really good to me,” Cathy said. “And it really is home for me. This is my family.”
About Ecumen
Ecumen is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing innovative housing, health care and community-based services that support older adults and strengthen communities. Mission-driven since its founding in 1862, Ecumen’s legacy of service reflects a commitment to honoring those it serves. Ecumen is based in Shoreview, Minn., and provides housing options such as independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. Its diverse in-home and community-based services include home care, hospice, physical and occupational therapy, and adult day services. For more information, visit www.ecumen.org.
ECUMEN APPOINTS THREE NEW MEMBERS TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Ecumen Appoints Three New Members to Board of Trustees:
University of Minnesota Nursing Dean Dr. Connie White Delaney, Retired Physician Executive Dr. Mark Matthias, and Nutrition & Health Care Executive Margene Reno Join Ecumen’s Board
By Lisa Hawks | September 15, 2026
SHOREVIEW, MN (September 15, 2026) — Ecumen, a leading nonprofit provider of senior housing and care for older adults, today announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Trustees: Connie White Delaney, PhD, RN, FAAN, FACMI, FNAP; Dr. Mark S. Matthias; and Margene Reno, MS, RDN.
The appointments expand the depth of executive, clinical, and operational expertise on Ecumen’s board as the organization continues to advance whole-person care, workforce innovation, and community health integration across its senior living and aging services.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Connie Delaney, Dr. Mark Matthias, and Margene Reno to Ecumen’s Board,” said Marcia Kull, chair of the Ecumen Board of Trustees. “Each of these leaders brings a remarkable range of experience, spanning academic nursing leadership, clinical governance, nutrition, and healthcare administration. Their collective insights will be invaluable as we guide Ecumen’s strategic vision and advance the standard of care for the communities we serve.”
“These three leaders are joining our governing body at a pivotal time for aging services,” said Dr. Cyrus Batheja, president and CEO of Ecumen. “Together, their expertise in health informatics, rural healthcare, nutrition, and medical leadership strengthens our ability to innovate care delivery, empower our workforce, and better serve older adults and their families.”
About the New Trustees
Dr. Connie White Delaney serves as Professor and Dean of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. A nationally recognized leader in health informatics, interprofessional practice, and systems transformation, Delaney has served as Dean since 2005. She is the Knowledge Generation Lead for the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education and the first Fellow in the American College of Medical Informatics to serve as a dean of nursing. Delaney was an inaugural appointee to the USA Health Information Technology Policy Committee (Office of the National Coordinator, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) and is the author of Leading with Love.
Dr. Mark S. Matthias is a retired board-certified family physician and physician executive with more than three decades of experience in clinical care and healthcare governance. He previously served as Chief Medical Officer at Hutchinson Medical Center, Mankato Clinic, and Rice Memorial Hospital, as well as Vice President of Medical Affairs at St. Cloud Hospital/CentraCare. Dr. Matthias brings extensive expertise in strategic planning, rural health, program evaluation, and board development, having previously chaired the Minnesota Community Measurement Board.
Margene Reno, MS, RDN is a registered dietitian and owner of Nutura Health, a healthcare sales and consulting firm. With extensive experience in hospital and long-term care foodservice operations, Reno represents healthcare manufacturers and has served in multiple leadership roles, including three terms as President of the Minnesota Consulting Dietitians Association. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a master’s degree in community health from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
About Ecumen
Ecumen is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing innovative housing, health care and community-based services that support older adults and strengthen communities. Mission-driven since its founding in 1862, Ecumen’s legacy of service reflects a commitment to honoring those it serves. Ecumen is based in Shoreview, Minn., and provides housing options such as independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. Its diverse in-home and community-based services include home care, hospice, physical and occupational therapy, and adult day services. For more information, visit www.ecumen.org.
Nutrition Myths vs Facts
NUTRITION MYTHS VS FACTS
By: Toni Swanson | June 15, 2026
As we transition from spring into summer, it’s natural to notice changes in our routines—including what we eat. This time of year often brings fresh foods, outdoor gatherings, and new nutrition trends. One question I hear frequently is: what’s actually true when it comes to nutrition? While trying new foods and ideas can be exciting, not every trending claim holds up under closer look. This month, we’re breaking down a few common nutrition myths so you can confidently separate fact from fiction and focus on what truly fuels your body.
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- Myth #1: you need to “detox” after eating unhealthy foods
Your body already has a built-in detox system—your liver, kidneys, and digestive system are working around the clock to do just that. Rather than turning to restrictive cleanses after a “cheat day,” focus on consistent, supportive habits like staying hydrated, eating fiber-rich foods, and including a variety of fruits and vegetables. Occasional indulgences are part of a balanced lifestyle—they don’t undo your progress or prevent you from getting back on track with your goals. - Myth #2: carbohydrates are bad for your body
Carbohydrates are one of the body’s primary macronutrients and a key source of energy for our cells. With busy, active summer days, they’re more important than ever. The key is choosing quality sources—like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables—which provide fiber, sustained energy, and essential nutrients. A balanced approach helps your body perform and feel its best. - Myth #3: organic foods are healthier than non-organic foods
The most important factor is eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods—whether organic or not. Health benefits come from consistently including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy (or alternatives), healthy fats, and plenty of water in your routine. Both organic and conventional foods can be part of a healthy diet.
- Myth #1: you need to “detox” after eating unhealthy foods
✨ Tortellini Summer Salad ✨
Ingredients:
1 bag tortellini pasta
1 ½ cup cherry tomatoes- cut in half
2 cups spinach
1 cup mozzarella pearls
2 Tbsp pesto
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: grilled chicken or chickpea beans for extra protein
Instructions:
Cook tortellini according to packaging directions. Mix the rest of ingredients in a big bowl with cooked and cooled pasta. Serve cold—Enjoy!
Serving as Corporate Dietician at Ecumen, Toni Swanson is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a Board-Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition with over a decade of experience working with older adults in long-term care and community settings. With a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for aging populations, Toni blends her clinical expertise in nutrition with a growing passion for clinical herbalism to support holistic well-being.
Ecumen Names Lisa Hawks as Vice President of Brand & Growth
Ecumen Names Lisa Hawks as Vice President of Brand & Growth
By Angie Andresen | June 9, 2026
SHOREVIEW, MN (June 9, 2026) — Ecumen, one of the nation’s leading nonprofit providers of senior housing and health care services, today announced that Lisa Hawks will join the organization as Vice President of Brand & Growth, effective June 15.
In this newly created executive leadership role, Hawks will oversee Ecumen’s integrated brand, marketing, sales, and communications functions. She brings more than 20 years of experience leading brand, communications, demand generation, and go-to-market strategies for high-growth companies and major enterprise organizations.
Her extensive background includes serving as executive vice president of marketing & communications at Nexben; vice president of communications at UnitedHealthcare; and director of communications and marketing at Best Buy. Her proven track record of aligning marketing strategy to business transformation, navigating complex regulatory environments, and building high-performing teams will be instrumental to Ecumen’s mission.
“Lisa’s leadership will help us more effectively tell the Ecumen story, deepen our connection to the communities we serve, and position Ecumen to lead at the intersection of aging, housing, healthcare, and innovation,” said Dr. Cyrus Batheja, Ecumen’s President & CEO. “She is a highly skilled connector and transformational leader who will help us build on our strong foundation while guiding the next chapter of growth, alignment, and impact for the people and communities we serve.”
Hawks holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Augsburg University. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Social Connection in Washington, D.C.
Meal Planning Made Simple
MEAL PLANNING MADE SIMPLE
By: Toni Swanson | May 27, 2026
One comment I hear often is, “Meal prepping is so hard for me. I always try to make a plan, but it never works out.” The good news is that meal planning doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. As the days get longer and schedules get busier, I’ve found that meal planning is one habit that consistently helps people stay on track with healthy eating—including my own family! In this newsletter I’m going to teach you how you can plan ahead so you can save time during the week, cut down on food waste, and set yourself up for nourishing meals—even on your busiest days.
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- Start with your schedule, not recipes.
Before choosing meals, take a quick look at your week. Which days will you be busy with meetings/events, and which days will you have time to cook? On busier days, plan for quick meals, leftovers, or slow-cooker options. Save more involved recipes for lighter activity days. Meal planning that matches your schedule is far more likely to stick. - Keep it simple!
You don’t need a different recipe every night. Choose 2–3 core meals and plan to enjoy them more than once. Using simple “mix-and-match” ingredients like grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and cooked grains. - Build nourishing meals.
Aim for balance rather than perfection. Try to have your meals include:- ½ plate: non-starchy vegetables and/or fruits
- ¼ plate: lean protein (chicken, fish, beans, tofu, eggs)
- ¼ plate: whole grains or starchy vegetables
Using this framework helps ensure meals are filling, nourishing, and energizing.
- Prep ingredients and not full meals.
Meal prep doesn’t have to mean cooking everything in advance and keeps you flexible for schedule changes. Examples of ingredient prep includes:- Wash and chop vegetables
- Cook grains (rice, quinoa, farro)
- Grill or bake proteins
- Pre-portion snacks
- Start with your schedule, not recipes.
✨ Lemon Chicken & Vegetables Sheet Pan ✨
Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs chicken breast
2 cups broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
2Tbsp olive oil
1 lemon (zest + juice)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Place chicken and vegetables on sheet pan.
Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice & zest. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, & pepper.
Toss to coat evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches internal temp of 165°F and vegetables are tender. Enjoy!
Serving as Corporate Dietician at Ecumen, Toni Swanson is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a Board-Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition with over a decade of experience working with older adults in long-term care and community settings. With a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for aging populations, Toni blends her clinical expertise in nutrition with a growing passion for clinical herbalism to support holistic well-being.
Happy International Tea Day!
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL TEA DAY!
By: Toni Swanson | May 21, 2026
At Ecumen, we value everyday wellness practices that bring together nutrition science and traditional plant wisdom. So today, we are highlighting why tea can play a meaningful role in daily routines, how different teas may support the body, and how to choose the right tea for individual needs — whether the goal is energy, relaxation, digestion, or simple hydration.
There are two main types of teas: caffeinated teas and herbal teas (naturally caffeine-free). Caffeinated teas all come from the same plant, Camellia sinesis, and include green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and white tea. Even though these teas all come from the same plant, they are processed differently and that creates the difference. They naturally contain caffeine and unique antioxidant compounds called polyphenols, which support heart health, metabolic health, and inflammation balance.
SHARED FOCUS AREAS
Green Tea
- Least oxidized
- Light, fresh, grassy flavor
- Often associated with antioxidant and metabolic support
Black Tea
Both documents highlight the role of balanced, nutrient-rich dietary patterns in supporting overall health and reducing the risk of nutrition-related chronic conditions. The focus remains on consistent eating patterns rather than individual nutrients.
Oolong Tea
- Partially oxidized (falls between green and black tea)
- Complex flavor – floral, toasty, or fruity
- Moderate caffeine
Our second category of teas are herbal teas. These are naturally caffeine-free and often chosen for targeted wellness support like digestion, sleep, immunity, or stress management. Herbal teas are made from leaves, flowers, roots, seeds, and even barks.
Herbal Teas for Common Needs
- Digestion: peppermint, fennel, ginger, chamomile, dandelion, burdock
- Stress & sleep: chamomile, lemon balm, passionflower, lavender, blue vervain
- Immunity: elderflower, echinacea, thyme, rosemary, holy basil
- Colds & flus: mullein, golden rod, marshmallow root, cinnamon, bee balm
- Inflammation support: turmeric, ginger, chamomile, garlic
- Nourishing: nettle, oat straw, elderberry (typically made into a syrup)
- Emotional support: rose petals, holy basil, lemon balm, lavender, yarrow, cacao
As always, herbal teas are gentle, but they’re still biologically active. If you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, it’s wise to check compatibility and discuss with your doctor.
Tea is more than just a beverage — it’s a daily ritual, a hydration tool, and a gentle way to support the body through the seasons. On this International Tea Day, remember to sip slowly, try something new, and let your tea match how you want to feel.
Happy steeping!
Serving as Corporate Dietician at Ecumen, Toni Swanson is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a Board-Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition with over a decade of experience working with older adults in long-term care and community settings. With a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for aging populations, Toni blends her clinical expertise in nutrition with a growing passion for clinical herbalism to support holistic well-being.
About Ecumen
Ecumen is a nonprofit provider, developer and operator of award-winning living spaces and innovative services for older adults. Mission-driven since its founding in 1862, Ecumen’s legacy of service reflects a commitment to honoring those it serves. Ecumen is based in Shoreview, Minn., and operates properties and services include home care, hospice, physical and occupational therapy, and adult day services throughout Minnesota and neighboring states. For more information, visit www.staging-ecumenv2.kinsta.cloud.
Nurses Drive Better Senior Outcomes
Nurses Drive Better Senior Outcomes
By Ecumen | May 6, 2026
SHOREVIEW, MN (May 6, 2026) — When you or someone you love steps into a senior living community, you want more than care. You want reassurance. You want someone who notices the small changes, answers late-night questions, and treats every resident like an individual, not a patient.
In senior living communities, nurses don’t just deliver care. This is especially true in nonprofit communities where the commitment is guided by mission, compassion, and a focus on people over profit. Nurses build relationships, coordinate support, and help older adults live with dignity, purpose, and stability.
May offers a meaningful reminder of that impact. During National Nurses Week and Older Americans Month, communities across the country celebrate both the professionals who provide compassionate care and the older adults whose lives they support. Together, these observances highlight something powerful – when we invest in nurses, we also invest in healthier, more supported aging for everyone.
The Evidence Is Clear
Decades of research point to a simple truth – strong nursing presence leads to better health outcomes for seniors. The National Institutes of Health reports that:
- Top-performing senior communities provide about 20% more staff time per resident
- Higher registered nurse (RN) staffing links to lower infection rates and lower mortality
- Increased nurse staffing reduces emergency department visits and hospitalizations
Why Nursing Care Matters More Than Ever
More than 1.2 million people in the United States now live in assisted living communities, and many bring complex, ongoing health needs that require consistent clinical oversight.
Nurses act as the critical link between medical treatment and daily life. They assess subtle changes in health, manage medications, coordinate with physicians, and provide hands-on care to prevent minor concerns from escalating into serious complications. Nurses provide continuity, helping residents maintain stability while adapting care plans as needs evolve.
In today’s environment, where both demand for senior care and the complexity of care needs continue to rise, nursing care doesn’t just support outcomes. It shapes the entire aging experience and more time spent on what matters most. Things like sharing a meal, enjoying a conversation, or simply feeling at home.
For seniors and their families, this kind of care isn’t just better; it’s everything. And when you choose a community with strong nursing leadership, such as Ecumen, you’re not just choosing care, you’re choosing peace of mind, both now and in the years ahead.
Happy Nurses Week to all the nurses and caregivers across Ecumen communities, Home Care, and Hospice. The care you provide is essential to Ecumen’s mission and makes an undeniable difference in so many lives.
Are you a nurse interested in joining Ecumen? Find openings and apply online!
Looking for a senior living community, home care, or hospice? Find Ecumen locations and service area details on our website.
The Connection Between Purpose and Longevity – What the Research Shows
The Connection Between Purpose and Longevity
— What the Research Shows
By Ecumen | April 30, 2026
SHOREVIEW, MN (April 30, 2026) — If you spent your breakfast wondering how to add a few more high-quality years to your life, you might want to put down the kale smoothie for a moment and pick up a volunteer sign-up sheet! And there’s no better time to start. April is National Volunteer Month, a time dedicated to celebrating service and encouraging more people to get involved in their communities.
We often focus on gym routines, supplements, and the latest wellness trends when it comes to longevity. Research, however, points to something just as powerful – a sense of purpose. Feeling that your life has direction and meaning can play a role in how long and how well you live. For many people, volunteering offers a natural, fulfilling way to build a sense of purpose.
There’s something energizing about waking up with a reason to get out of bed. You might mentor a student, serve meals at a local shelter, or help a neighbor through a tough week. That sense of purpose doesn’t just lift your mood in the moment; it may also support your long-term health and longevity.
Let’s take a closer look at what science says and why purpose may be one of the most underrated drivers of longevity.
Why Purpose Matters More Than You Think
Purpose does more than just make you feel good; it can influence your biology. Purpose gives structure to your days. It shapes your decisions, strengthens your relationships, and helps you navigate stress.
Researchers have found that people with a strong sense of purpose tend to experience better mental and physical health outcomes. A landmark study published by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health followed nearly 7,000 adults ages 50 and older. The team discovered that volunteering and other acts of kindness support both emotional well-being and long-term health, partly because they reduce loneliness and stress, which are two major risk factors for disease and early death.
Social connection also plays a huge role. Strong relationships and meaningful interactions lower the risk of conditions such as heart disease, depression, and even dementia. On the flip side, social isolation can increase the risk of premature death by up to 29%.
Purpose, in other words, connects you to people, to community, and to something bigger than yourself.
Research on Volunteering and Longevity
Volunteering sits right at the intersection of purpose and connection. The Mayo Clinic reports that volunteering offers three primary health benefits:
- Physical Activity: Many volunteer roles keep you moving, stretching, and walking.
- Social Connection: Regular interaction with a community builds a protective social buffer.
- The Helper’s High: Helping others releases dopamine, reducing stress and increasing feelings of relaxation.
Finding Your Purpose Through Volunteering
If you’re curious about getting involved, start small and choose something that feels meaningful to you.
Ask yourself:
- Which causes matter most to me?
- Do I enjoy working with people, animals, or the environment?
- How much time can I realistically commit each week?
You don’t need a packed schedule to make an impact. Even a few hours a month can create connection, build purpose, and improve how you feel day to day.
Ecumen offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities, making it easy to find a role that fits your interests and schedule.
- Being a friendly visitor and providing companionship
- Calling Bingo or helping with puzzles and board games
- Leading or assisting with spiritual services or Bible studies
- Lending your green thumb skills to care for indoor and outdoor plants
- Providing unstructured pet therapy visits for residents
- Sharing a musical talent through a performance or leading sing-alongs
- Sharing an artistic talent by leading an art activity
- Sharing your special talent or passion with our residents—feel free to give us a call to discuss your activity ideas!
Find purpose in sharing your time and talents through volunteering. You’ll feel good, make a lasting impact on others, and maybe even improve your health!
Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Volunteering with Ecumen is an opportunity to share your gifts, build relationships, and be part of something greater.
Take the next step—explore volunteer opportunities today.
