Originally published in January 2024. Updated September 2025.

While it’s no secret that Posts help members make lasting connections and feel part of the community, your organization can likely do even more to help Post member wellness mentally, physically and emotionally.

Read on for specific events and ideas your organization can implement to help Post members’ mental, physical and emotional health.

Post Member Wellness — Mental and Emotional Support

Rates of anxiety and depression among older adults have increased significantly over the past several years. These increases are exacerbated due to the lack of Medicare providers and needed services.

While older Americans have traditionally had lower rates of depression and anxiety than younger people, there are many events that can impact the mental and emotional well-being of your members, including:

  • Healthcare costs
  • Widowhood
  • Chronic illnesses and diagnoses
  • Isolation
  • Poor sleep

To help your members’ mental and emotional health, consider:

  • Hosting informational sessions with mental health professionals about the symptoms of depression and other mental illnesses.
  • Sharing mental health resources via email, newsletters and more.
  • Connecting Veterans with VA mental health services.
  • Add some personal touch to professional relationships by showing interest in their lives — ask your members and volunteers how their family members are doing, things they’re looking forward to, interests outside of work and more.
  • Checking in with members frequently.
  • Offering physical exercise classes.
  • Scheduling regular activities for socialization, such as guest speakers, game nights, coffee chats and more.

Post Member Wellness — Physical Support

In addition to mental and emotional health, seniors may need support for their physical health. According to the CDC, older adults need:

  • At least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity.
  • At least 2 days of activities that strengthen muscles each week.
  • Regular activities to improve balance.

This physical activity can help members maintain the ability to live independently, reduce blood pressure in some people with hypertension, control joint swelling, maintain healthy bones, joints and muscles and reduce the risk of falling and fracturing bones.

Help improve the physical health and safety of your members by:

  • Evaluating the safety of Post property, including bathrooms, entryways, kitchens and parking lots.
  • Offering exercise classes or sharing schedules of a local community center.
  • Encouraging members to meet up for group walks.
  • Inviting local health professionals to present on the importance of exercising and healthy eating.

Supporting Post Members after an Injury

Members and volunteers may experience depression after an injury, including:

  • Social isolation
  • Challenges performing everyday tasks
  • Financial stress
  • Chronic pain and more

Supporting your members and volunteers’ physical and mental health after an injury can make all the difference in their recovery.

  • Implement a strong return-to-Post program. Once they’re ready, bringing members and volunteers back to your Post reassures them of their future involvement and makes them feel productive. Be sure to manage the expectations of supervisors and other members so the injured parties don’t feel guilty that they can’t work at full capacity.
  • Don’t ignore mental health. Talk about member and volunteer stressors and their impact. Encourage self-care, therapy, healthy eating and an active lifestyle.

Support from Lockton Affinity

Whether it’s mental, emotional and physical wellness tips or tips to prevent cyber scams, Lockton Affinity is here to help support your members and your organization.

Explore additional resources here or contact our dedicated team to learn how you can better protect your organization with insurance from Lockton Affinity.