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Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
by Kells McPhillips
Time is one of the greatest gifts of retirement. Before you left the workforce, you may have felt like you were juggling family, work, and self-care. Suddenly, with one of those components gone, you have ample hours to fill. Volunteering is one of the most rewarding activities you can partake in during your newfound free time.
Over one-fourth of America’s 70 million retirees volunteer. If you’re considering joining them, keep reading as Erin Phillips, LCSW, of Thriveworks in Kansas City, MO, explains the benefits of lending a helping hand after retirement. Plus, how to choose the volunteer opportunity that’s right for you.
From helping you build a community to relieving stress, here are a few reasons to consider volunteering.
If you’re struggling to orient yourself in the open hours that were once filled with a long to-do list, volunteering can help. “One of the biggest changes that can come with retirement is the loss of purpose. Volunteering is a great way to refocus energy on a new goal,” says Phillips. You may even find that you have a new truth north, a cause that makes you feel fulfilled.
For example, someone passionate about environmental issues may choose to participate in weekly beach cleanups or trail maintenance to preserve the wild spaces that are near and dear to their heart.
About one-third of adults aged 45 or older report feeling lonely, and that loneliness may become exacerbated in retirement. With work no longer being a primary focus, you may find yourself seeking new sources of community. Volunteering can introduce you to a brand-new batch of friends.
“Working together to achieve a common goal that serves the greater good is an excellent way to befriend people. You already have at least one shared value, and having a goal that you are working towards together is a great common ground to start conversations,” says Phillips.
Whether you’re reshelving books at the library, caring for animals, or planting trees, the conversation tends to flow naturally between volunteers, she adds.
Before you know it, you may find yourself grabbing a cup of coffee with a fellow volunteer or signing up for more opportunities to spend time with your new crew.
Whether you’ve been looking forward to your retirement or not, transitioning to your new lifestyle may come with growing pains. “Typically, people who retire have worked many decades. The 9-5 of the daily grind becomes part of their existence. Not having that can be very stressful,” says Phillips.
Finding a volunteer opportunity can help you take charge of your time and thus potentially lessen the stress of not having “anything to do.” “Because [retirees] are able to choose where or how they volunteer, it doesn't become an obligation, as work can,” Phillips explains.
Cultivating a community of people may also improve your mental health. Research shows that those who regularly make time to connect with friends and family may have better physical and emotional health. Plus, if your volunteering requires you to move your body, you may also experience the stress-busting effects of exercise.
Finding volunteer opportunities for seniors may feel like the hardest part of the process. Application and onboarding processes may be tedious, but remember that your efforts will ultimately pay off.
If you’re unsure of where to start looking for positions, search for volunteer coordination agencies online or conduct a Google search based on your interests. If your desired volunteer spot has an office or HQ, you could also call and ask if someone’s available to meet with you in person.
If you have a therapist, they may also be able to help you match your interests and passions with a volunteer role near you. “For a longer-term client, the therapist would have a strong sense of what the client/retiree likes and could suggest agencies or opportunities that might match. For example, a client who used to have pets might be encouraged to volunteer at an animal shelter,” says Phillips.
Once you start volunteering, don’t lose sight of why you started in the first place. “Remember why you're volunteering, what drew you to this particular opportunity, who are you helping, and how are their lives made better by your simple act of volunteering,” says Phillips.
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