Find Your Passion Through Volunteering in Retirement

Summary: Volunteering in retirement can bring purpose, connection and improved well-being while making a meaningful impact on your community.

After decades of finding your purpose in life, what if you could find your most meaningful purpose in retirement? Older adults across America are discovering the many benefits of staying mentally and physically active while giving back. Research shows that almost two-thirds of Senior Corps volunteers felt volunteering in retirement helped improve social connections and reduce feelings of isolation.¹

To get started, you won’t have to go far. There are many rewarding volunteer opportunities for retirees right in your own community. Here are some ideas to help you find a cause you are passionate about.

Benefits of volunteering in retirement

Volunteering in retirement is more than just a way to fill your time. It can be a fulfilling and invigorating experience that benefits both you and your community. Here are some key advantages of volunteering during retirement:

Provides a sense of purpose

Transitioning from a lifelong career can leave you wondering how to spend your days or seeking ways to live more meaningfully. Volunteering offers a new mission, allowing you to use your skills, knowledge, and energy to help others. Whether it’s tutoring a child or serving meals at a local kitchen, volunteering gives you direction and makes you feel valued.

Boosts mental and physical health

Feeling purposeful and needed can greatly enhance your mental health. Staying active during retirement is crucial for both mental and physical well-being. Regular social interactions can reduce stress, improve memory, and lower the risk of depression and loneliness. Additionally, some volunteer roles include physical activities like walking and lifting, helping you stay active.

Contributes to your community

Volunteering lets you make a direct impact on your community and support causes that matter to you. Your time and efforts contribute to building a stronger and more supportive neighborhood.

Fosters Social Connections

Social isolation and loneliness are significant concerns for many retirees. Volunteering allows you to connect with others and pursue common goals. The relationships you build can develop into lasting friendships that keep you socially engaged and emotionally supported.

How to find volunteering in retirement opportunities

Before you begin to look for volunteer opportunities, start by answering the question: What are you passionate about? When you identify what you love, you can search for opportunities to use that passion in your community. Do you enjoy working with children? Consider reading to kids in after-school programs. Are you a great cook? See if you can help prepare meals at the local food kitchen. Do you enjoy landscaping or gardening? Check with your church – they may need help mowing and beautifying the grounds.

Websites like VolunteerMatch.org can help match you with volunteer opportunities you are passionate about. Simply enter your city and start browsing your options. You could also search online for “volunteer opportunities near me,” or “volunteer opportunities in (the city you live in).”

Organizations for volunteering in retirement

To make your volunteering search a little easier, we’ve found some organizations that might be a good fit for seniors:

Big Brothers Big Sisters

If you only get to see your grandchildren sparingly (or you’re waiting for them to arrive in your life), Big Brothers Big Sisters provides an opportunity for you to experience the benefits of mentoring and be a positive influence in a child’s life. And, they may even help you feel a little bit younger, too.

SPCA

Volunteering with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is perfect for those who have a passion for all things four-legged, cute and furry. You’ll get the chance to improve the lives of animals in need, and help fill the void of a pet if you can’t have one of your own.

Habitat for Humanity

While building houses certainly fits the criteria for a retiree with a handyman background, you don’t have to be especially crafty to help rebuild someone’s life. Habitat for Humanity features volunteer opportunities for people of all skill levels. All it takes is a willingness to learn and help.

Feeding America

What better way to show pride in your community than helping your neighbors stay nourished? Food banks in the Feeding America network present a wide variety of opportunities for retirees to volunteer, all of which create a huge difference for the families they serve.

National Park Service

If you love being in the great outdoors, it’s only “natural” to gravitate toward a chance to give back to Mother Nature. The U.S. National Park Service features volunteer programs that range from one-time events to long-term programs. Some programs even include the possibility to stay rent-free in scenic locations.

Volunteering in retirement can be your most rewarding chapter

Your time spent volunteering can fulfill your internal passion while also giving back to the people and places that mean the most to you. Whatever opportunity you choose, using your time in retirement to give back can bring you just as many benefits as you bring to others.

Ready to create a retirement filled with meaning and momentum? Mutual of Omaha offers guidance and tools to help you live with purpose and peace of mind. These retirement resources can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is volunteering in retirement a good way to meet new people?

Absolutely! Volunteering in retirement is a fantastic way to connect with people of different ages. Working together towards a common goal can help you form strong bonds and build meaningful relationships. These social interactions can also help combat senior isolation and loneliness, which is often linked to depression.

Q2: Can I still volunteer if I have mobility issues?

Yes, you can definitely volunteer if you have mobility issues. It’s important to choose roles that are less physically demanding. Many organizations need volunteers for tasks like phone outreach, administrative work, crafting, or mentoring.

Q3: How much time do I need to commit to volunteering in retirement?

One of the great things about volunteering in retirement is the flexibility; you can volunteer as much or as little as you want. Organizations appreciate any help you can offer, even if it’s just one or two days a month. If your time is limited, consider focusing on specific events or times of the year, like shopping for holiday gifts for children from low-income families or contributing a dish for a Thanksgiving dinner at a local food kitchen.

Sources:

1. AmeriCorps, Seniors Impact Study, 2024

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