“Flowers make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine to the soul.” American botanist Luther Burbank may have been onto something when he proclaimed this in the early 20th century. Many decades later, studies have found that flowers may actually have health benefits—especially for older adults. A 2001 Rutgers University study found that flowers eased depression, improved social interaction, and enhanced memory in adults age 55 and older. The study was partially funded by the Society of American Florists.

Helen Raffel, 80, and Marianne Prichard, 62, are a part of a growing number of Americans who are dedicating their retirement years to the Peace Corps—an organization that sends volunteers around the world to assist with issues ranging from AIDS education to environmental protection. With only 6% of its volunteers age 50 and older, the Peace Corps recently launched a campaign to recruit older Americans.

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