For retired older adults, finding something to do with their new free time can be hard. But, it’s a good idea for older adults to stay active and maintain a routine. There are so many different options and hobbies available to try, but one of the best things for older adults to do is volunteer.
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering is a win-win situation for both older adults and the communities they live in! There are many benefits to volunteering, and it’s a great part of any lifestyle an older adult wants to live.
- Volunteering is great for mental health. One of the most common issues older adults face is isolation, since they may not be able to see friends or family as often as they used to be able to. Feeling isolated can be tough for mental health and even leads to deeper mental health issues for many older individuals. Luckily, volunteering helps older people get social interaction and even make new friends in their community.
- Besides mental health itself, volunteering can open older people up to new and fun experiences. Helping the community means older adults can meet new people of all different backgrounds and lifestyles, and the ways in which they help may also teach them new skills.
- Volunteering is also good for overall physical health. Volunteering involves constant conversation and learning of new skills, which will help preserve cognitive skills and motor function. It’s also an easy opportunity for older adults to stay active, since many volunteer activities involve light exercise like walking.
- Lastly, volunteering is beneficial for the community! Older people have a lifetime of knowledge that can be invaluable advice for younger generations, so they can have a significant impact on their local community.
Ways to Volunteer
Given all of the benefits of volunteering, it’s safe to say that anyone who can do it should give it a try. While the physical exertion involved in some volunteering activities can be discouraging for many, it really shouldn’t be. There’s such a large variety of volunteer opportunities that anyone who wants to volunteer can find a great fit that works with their abilities and schedule. With that being said, we’ve compiled a list of volunteering ideas that are safe for older adults.
- Mentoring youth: One of the most valuable areas of expertise older people have is simply life experience. Their guidance can change the lives of young people, so helping them navigate growing up will be fulfilling for both them and their mentee. This is also a great option for those with less physical ability, since it doesn’t require manual dexterity. Opportunities to be a mentor are everywhere, and churches, community centers, or local schools can be a great place to start looking.
- Food drives: If an older adult is looking for a fulfilling opportunity with a little bit of physical exercise involved, then working for a food drive or food bank will be perfect for them. Organizing food drives or working to sort food at food banks will connect them to other people in the community and give them the ability to help people in need.
- Working with nature: Nature is important to every community. Older adults can help preserve natural spaces in many ways, from simply cleaning up the outdoors to working as photographers for local park organizations. Fresh air is always a nice way for older adults to feel rejuvenated, and cleaning up natural spaces is a great way to stay active as well!
- Teaching: If an older adult is particularly skilled at one of their hobbies or developed expertise in their industry, they could tutor or teach students. Local community centers may welcome their expertise, and there are also online resources that they can connect with students through. This is a remote-friendly option for those with limited mobility.
There are many different ways to get involved, and many volunteer activities can be tailored to an older adult’s schedule and abilities. If they start volunteering, older adults will find that it is both a fulfilling and exciting activity!
Additional Resources:
Volunteer.gov: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/
Habitat for Humanity: https://www.habitat.org/ Volunteer with the National Park Service:https://www.nps.gov/getinvolved/volunteer.htm
