Why to consider volunteering in retirement

Retirement is a stage of life many eagerly anticipate, often filled with the freedom to travel, pursue hobbies, or enjoy more time with family. Without the structure of a work schedule, however, it’s common to find oneself with more free time than expected. Some people choose to fill this gap by volunteering, which not only provides an opportunity to give back to the community but can also offer many personal rewards.

How to stay active after retirement through volunteer work

Engaging in volunteer work might be a great way to stay active after retirement and can provide a sense of purpose and connection to the community. Whether it’s assisting others, supporting local organizations, or contributing to a meaningful cause, there are many types of volunteer opportunities that may align with your interests, skills, and passions. Here are several types of volunteer work to explore:

Become a tour guide

Share your knowledge and passion for local history or landmarks by leading tours for visitors, enhancing their experience while staying active.

Spend time at a local animal shelter

Volunteer at an animal shelter walking dogs, cleaning enclosures, or assisting with adoption events to make a positive impact on the lives of animals in need.

Help at a local food bank

Assist in sorting and distributing food to individuals and families facing food insecurity to help ensure they receive the nourishment they need.

Mentor or tutor students

Offer personal expertise to help students improve academically by tutoring or mentoring, providing support in areas like reading, math, or life skills.

Volunteer at a hospital or nursing home

Brighten the day of those in care facilities by spending time visiting patients, offering companionship, or assisting with non-medical tasks.

Assist with environmental clean-up projects

Join local efforts to clean parks, beaches, or roadways and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.

Serve on the board of a nonprofit organization

Use leadership and organizational skills to guide and support nonprofits in their mission to make a difference in your community.

Offer your skills to a community center or senior group

Lend your expertise in areas like arts, crafts, or technology to help organize activities or teach new skills to others.

Help organize or support local events or fundraisers

Get involved in planning and executing community events or charity fundraisers, helping to raise awareness and support for important causes.

What are the benefits of volunteering for seniors?

Along with giving back to the community, volunteering in retirement can offer a wealth of other benefits. Engaging in volunteer work can have a positive impact on a senior’s social and emotional well-being by helping combat feelings of loneliness or isolation. Being a volunteer can provide a sense of purpose, encourage social interactions, and can even help boost mental and physical health. Whether through developing new skills, forming lasting connections, or boosting self-esteem, the act of volunteering in retirement helps provide the opportunity to stay active, engaged, and fulfilled in those later years. 

Improve physical health

Engaging in an active lifestyle and meaningful social activities like volunteering can help enhance longevity and quality of life. Volunteering allows retirees to stay physically active by encouraging movement through tasks like walking, lifting, and organizing, which might help promote cardiovascular health and mobility. 

Bolster emotional well-being

Volunteering isn’t just good for the body; it can be good for the mind too. After leaving the workforce, many retirees may experience feelings of loneliness or lack of motivation, which can contribute to depression. Volunteering could offer a way to combat these challenges by fostering a sense of community, building new relationships, and providing a meaningful sense of purpose. 

Help build intergenerational relationships

Participating in community support can help bring people of all ages together, offering opportunities to connect with individuals from different generations. This exchange can be mutually beneficial, allowing for the sharing of knowledge and fostering respect while building meaningful connections across age groups. 

Give back to your community

Volunteering can help make a positive impact on communities, particularly in areas such as health, education, and the environment. By dedicating time and effort, volunteers help strengthen neighborhoods. Plus, by making friends with other volunteers and with the people you assist, you can help build deeper connections within the place you call home. 

Leave a legacy

Contributing to causes that matter to both you and others can create a lasting impact. Your actions may inspire children, grandchildren, friends, and others in your community to get involved as well. In addition, your efforts can make a real difference in improving the lives of those in need.

Finding Local Retiree Volunteer Opportunities

Retirees interested in giving back to their communities have many options for finding local volunteer opportunities. To search online, there are several websites that make it easy to find roles based on interests and location.

• Volunteer.gov helps you find volunteer opportunities and learn how you can make an impact in causes you care about.
• VolunteerMatch allows you to search for volunteer opportunities in your area by interest and location.
• Idealist is a platform that lists volunteer opportunities, internships, and jobs with nonprofit organizations worldwide.
• AARP's Create the Good is a dedicated space where retirees can find local volunteer opportunities and resources tailored to older adults.

In addition to online platforms, there are many local resources where retirees can find volunteer opportunities close to home:

• Community centers: Visit your local community or recreation center to learn about volunteer opportunities with various programs and events.
• Libraries: Many public libraries offer volunteer programs, from reading to children to organizing events or assisting with administrative tasks.
• Religious institutions: Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious organizations often have volunteer programs that involve helping those in need within the community.
• Local nonprofits and charities: Reach out to organizations like food banks, homeless shelters, or senior centers in your area to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
• Schools and universities: Some schools look for volunteers to help with tutoring, mentoring, or special events. Contact local schools or college outreach programs to ask about opportunities.
• Hospitals and nursing homes: Many healthcare facilities seek volunteers to assist with patient care or offer companionship to residents. Visit local hospitals or senior living centers to learn about available roles.

To help create the financial freedom needed to enjoy volunteering and other activities in retirement. You might consider talking to a financial professional about ways to incorporate options like life insurance and annuities into your strategy. These options can help bring long-term security and offer peace of mind to your financial plan and may allow you to focus more on what truly matters during this exciting stage of life.

Insurance products is North American, West Des Moines. IA. Product and features/options may not be available in all states or appropriate for all clients. See product materials for further details, specific features/options and limitations by product and state.

The term financial professional is not intended to imply engagement in an advisory business in which compensation is not related to sales. Financial professionals that are insurance licensed will be paid a commission on the sale of an insurance product.

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