There are articles in every corner of the internet that urge boomers to write a memoir or detail their stories for the future generations, to document their experiences to share with children and loved ones when they’re gone. On the face of it, this storytelling appears noble. In reality, it seems rather defeatist. We all know life doesn’t stop at retirement, so why act like it does? There isn’t just a past to document, but a future to create. Volunteering can be that future.
Instead of sitting around the house reminiscing about the past (and facing the potential health risks of sitting around all day) why not become active in your community? As with theatre and creative writing, the best moments in our lives are the ones where we show instead of tell. Whether you’re volunteering on your own or with family and friends there are more than a million ways to demonstrate your values, skills and experience to your community and the world.
Top 5 Reasons to Volunteer in Retirement
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The Health Benefits of Volunteering
Taken from here referencing this study by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
- A study of adults age 65 and older found that the positive effect of volunteering on physical and mental health is due to the personal sense of accomplishment an individual gains from his or her volunteer activities.
- Another study found that volunteering led to lower rates of depression in individuals 65 and older.
- A Duke study found that individuals who volunteered after experiencing heart attacks reported reductions in despair and depression – two factors that that have been linked to mortality in post-coronary artery disease patients.
- An analysis of longitudinal data found that individuals over 70 who volunteered approximately 100 hours had less of a decline in self-reported health and functioning levels, experienced lower levels of depression, and had more longevity.
- Two studies found that volunteering threshold is about 100 hours per year, or about two hours a week. Individuals who reached the threshold enjoyed significant health benefits, although there were not additional benefits beyond the 100-hour mark.
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Share Your Passion and Values with Family and Friends
Volunteering can help you illustrate your passion, values and personal interests. Organizing a walk for cancer, volunteering at a local humane society, helping out at a shelter or volunteering your time to mentor youth – there are more options than are hours in the day and thousands of charities or non-profits in need of help. Whatever your interests are you can find them in volunteering.
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Use your Skills and Experience to Effect Real Change
Many people stereotype volunteer jobs as low-level, tedious and unfulfilling. In fact, there are many skilled volunteer opportunities in communities across Canada and the world. Board of Director positions, consultations, administrative assistance and other functions requiring a high level of skill open up all the time. Also available are jobs that require a more refined emotional intelligence and ability to connect with people. In these positions you may find yourself visiting with critically ill persons or working on a helpline. Whatever your strengths there is a place for you to use them.
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Explore New Interests
Were you an accountant always interested in painting but who never had the time to pursue it? Helping others such as investing your time in an after-school arts program can help re-awaken an interest or open up new possibilities.
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Help Others and Leave a Legacy of Change
Though we put this at number 5 on the list we really were just saving the best for last. Volunteering is about helping others. There are many benefits for the volunteer, yes, but the main goal and payoff is not centered around the self but around others. The most powerful stories we share with our loved ones are not the ones we write down but those that we share together. Writing is an act for the self; volunteering is an act for everyone. You can make difference in your life, in your families lives and in the lives of those you help by becoming an active volunteer in your community. When we say “Leave a Legacy of Change” we mean that you can be remembered for you did and shared, not just what you wrote.
