Volunteering After Retirement: Where and How to do it

Living your best life by helping others

Retirement is a satisfying phase of life. With newfound free time, retirees can enjoy doing as they please and giving back by volunteering. Many seniors find fulfillment through volunteer opportunities, whether it be helping a faith-based organization, an educational agency, a political group, a senior or youth organization, a mentoring facility, or an environmental or conservation organization. These are just some of the many types of volunteer programs available to seniors. For those considering volunteering after retirement and wondering where and how to do it, let’s examine three special programs as great starting points.

• Meals on Wheels – Volunteer work gives people a feeling of purpose. Per Vantage Aging, “Children grow up and move out of the house, we retire from our jobs, and some physical activities may become more difficult. Regaining a feeling of purpose through volunteering can help older adults feel recharged with a new zest for life.” Supporting people with food insecurities is a wonderful way to get involved and help others. Nearly 13 million older Americans struggle with hunger each year. Shopping for, purchasing, and preparing food can be challenging for many older adults. Meals on Wheels provides relief to struggling seniors via a meal delivery program that brings food directly to a resident’s home. For some who are homebound and isolated, this may be the only meal or contact they receive during the day. Seniors interested in volunteering must complete a volunteer application, attend orientation and training, and complete a background check. Folks may also donate to this worthy organization. To help this worthy cause, visit https://mealsonwheelsamerica.org
• American Red Cross – Per Medical Guardian, there are many health benefits to be gained by volunteering time to a worthy cause later in life. “From forging new social connections to combating loneliness and isolation to help you stay physically and cognitively sharp, volunteer opportunities for seniors provide more than just a productive way to spend time during retirement.” A great way to make a big impact is to volunteer for the American Red Cross to support folks experiencing crises and disasters. Volunteering may include helping with fundraising efforts and blood drive assistance. For information about volunteering for this noble organization, or making a donation, head to www.redcross.org
• National Parks – Per Seniors Helping Seniors, “The Park Service is always looking for people who are interested in volunteering, and retired people make up a large percentage of the volunteer workforce.” National Park helpers work in many capacities such as running special events, staffing visitor centers, doing trail maintenance, lecturing, and being camp hosts. The work is considered “as varied and diverse as the national park system itself.” To identify a park close by, and to learn of volunteer opportunities, visit https://www.nps.gov/getinvolved/volunteer.htm

The far-reaching benefits of senior volunteer work

Volunteering after retirement springs seniors into action. It also provides opportunities for public interactions and assistance giving via creative and helpful outlets. Assisting worthy causes such as Meals on Wheels, The American Red Cross, and America’s beloved national parks demonstrate the immense caring and giving nature of seniors. Helping, teaching, mentoring, and being involved in the community provides valuable and rewarding experiences on personal and professional levels. Not only can retired people share lifetime knowledge and expertise, but they can also offer hope and a kind hand in a challenging world. Make a difference and get started volunteering today.