Dedicating some of your time and skills to volunteer work in your retirement is a great way to spend your time. This option has numerous advantages, benefiting both you and the organizations you support.
Provides a Sense of Purpose
In many cases recent retirees can struggle to find the fulfillment they did when they were working. You may have spent your entire life planning for this milestone, but once you reach it, you might wonder what to do next.
Although there are many ways to find fulfillment and a sense of purpose, volunteering is a perfect place to start. This is supported by a study that aimed to look at the impact of volunteering on the psychological well-being of older adults post-retirement. The findings revealed that volunteering helps retirees rediscover a sense of purpose and identity.
Great for Mental and Physical Health
Volunteering is good for your overall health. Those who volunteer:
-
are less likely to suffer from heart diseases
-
are more likely to strengthen their functional independence
-
increase their physical activity levels
In addition, according to the National Institute on Aging, engaging in meaningful activities that keep the body and mind active can reduce the risk of health issues such as dementia and enhance overall longevity.
Encourages Social Interaction
Becoming socially isolated is common when you’re no longer working and interacting with others regularly. Loneliness creeps in, which is associated with various health issues such as depression, anxiety, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Volunteering can be the cure to isolation as it allows you to connect with others. Relationships develop as you meet new people and form friendships with those you volunteer alongside.
Helps Bridge the Generation Gap
When did you last interact with someone half your age who was not a relative? One of the benefits of volunteering post-retirement is that it encourages intergenerational friendships. Not only does this serve as a stress buffer, but it also improves your cognitive function.
Whether you are interacting with adults, teens, or kids, volunteering provides opportunities for meaningful connections and conversations across generations. And that is very powerful.
Examples of Volunteering Opportunities for Retirees
-
Mentoring Programs: Retirees can mentor younger generations, offering guidance and support in areas where they have expertise. There are many programs where you can find such opportunities. For example, Career Village is a popular online forum that connects students with volunteers who are experts in their respective fields.
-
Community Outreach and Support: Retirees can volunteer at local community centers, food banks, or shelters. Through this, you can help your local community.
-
Environmental Conservation: If you are passionate about environmental issues, you can engage in activities such as tree planting, community cleanups, or wildlife conservation efforts.
-
Healthcare and Wellness Initiatives: Hospitals, clinics, and wellness organizations often welcome volunteers. If you have a background in healthcare, or a desire to support others in their health journeys, you can find meaningful opportunities in these settings.
-
Foster Grandparent Programs: Participating in Foster Grandparent Programs offer a fulfilling and purposeful way to contribute to your community. These volunteer roles involve educating, mentoring, and caring for children who require support in your local area. AmeriCorps often incorporates a foster grandparent component within its extensive volunteer network. Also, local churches or religious institutions may foster grandparent programs in your community.
Volunteering After Retirement: A Win-Win Situation
It comes as no surprise that volunteering is a favored activity for many retirees. You are able to apply your expertise to impact the community and the lives of others. You can also build up your social life, give yourself a sense of purpose, and improve your mental and physical health. Get started today and help someone in need.