6 Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors to Make a Difference

• Volunteering is worth pursuing at any age, and there are many opportunities for seniors to participate in volunteer work.
• Volunteer options can give seniors more ways to socialize, provide a sense of purpose, and, in some cases, help promote more physical activity.
• There are some organizations that specifically cater to seniors who want to volunteer, helping them find opportunities that align with their preferences and abilities. 

After retirement, it’s easy to believe that seniors may decide to slow down and not participate in many activities. However, many seniors still desire to stay physically active and connected to their community, which is why many may choose to volunteer. In fact, about one in five seniors is reported to engage in some level of volunteer work. While the desire to volunteer and give back may be present, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

There are a few benefits to seniors volunteering in retirement, including:

• Sense of Purpose: Volunteering can help with finding purpose, especially for older adults who no longer have jobs or people who need a job for the pay but don’t feel fulfilled at work. It’s a great way to donate your knowledge and expertise to the community, gain perspective, and make a real difference. Volunteering can also increase life satisfaction and help with maintaining overall well-being.
• Socialization: Additionally, volunteering can help build connections and relationships within the community. Many seniors struggle with social isolation, and volunteer work can help older volunteers create meaningful connections and partnerships with fellow volunteers and others in their city.
• Physical Activity: Volunteering has been shown to improve psychological, mental, and physical health. Studies show that volunteering can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline, chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension, and mortality. 
• Bridging the Generation Gap: Volunteer opportunities that engage multiple generations, such as mentoring programs or foster grandparent programs, allow older adults to connect with children, teens, or young adults. Some programs also let retirees spend time tutoring students or providing assistance to younger members of their community who are in need, creating rewarding relationships between generations.

Senior volunteers serve in many different ways, from local to global opportunities. Here are a few ideas seniors can look into if they want to volunteer.

1. National and Community Service Opportunities

When looking for senior volunteer opportunities, programs such as AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, or Volunteer Match can help connect seniors with volunteer options that match their abilities and interests. E

These programs provide a tax-free hourly stipend and opportunities to make a difference in the local community.

Local community centers, national parks, and public school systems may also provide volunteer senior opportunities. Check with your local areas for more information.

2. Local Volunteer Opportunities

Seniors may be surprised at how many local opportunities to volunteer are available to them. A few local places to look for volunteer work include:

• Community Gardens: Local community gardens often need volunteers to help with planting, weeding, and harvesting. It’s a great way to get some exercise and connect with your community.
• Local Schools: Volunteering at a school can be a great way for seniors to stay mentally sharp. Many schools offer opportunities for seniors to mentor, tutor, or assist with administrative tasks.
• Non-profit Organizations/​Charities: Nonprofits can offer volunteer opportunities for seniors, including the chance to serve as a foster parent. Charities, such as Habitat for Humanity, may have local chapters that allow you to help improve your neighborhood.
• Food Delivery Services: Organizations, such as Meals on Wheels, allow seniors to deliver food to fellow older adults, some who may be in need, and can provide flexibility for those who may not have much time to volunteer.

3. Companionship Volunteering

Volunteering can be a great way to stay connected with others and build a sense of community. Some specific forms of volunteering may allow the chance to support or create companionship, such as:

• Mentorship: Tutoring and mentorship for teens may be an option at public schools, but there are also ways seniors can connect with young adults entering the career world. Some organizations help pair young adults with older adults who have experience in their chosen career field, allowing seniors to share their years of experience.
• Hospice Chapters: Seniors understand the isolation that can come with aging, and some chapters can allow seniors to assist or become companions to those in hospice care.
• Friend to Friend America: Many seniors experience loneliness, especially if they live far from family or friends. Programs such as Friend to Friend America increase social connectedness by matching volunteers with disabled or isolated seniors. Even more, there are no age limits on who can apply. 

4. Environmental and Animal Welfare Volunteering

Seniors passionate about the environment can consider volunteering with:

• Local Parks or Conservation Organizations: Parks and local chapters of conservation groups, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, accept volunteers of all ages.
• Animal Shelters/​Humane Societies: These places often need volunteers to care for animals and assist with fundraising events. If your community has a local wildlife rehabilitation center, there could be volunteer options there as well.
• Citizen Science Projects: such as monitoring water quality or tracking wildlife populations, allow those in the general public to help gather data that professional scientists can analyze and use.
• Environmental Education and Advocacy: Environmental education chapters offer broad volunteer opportunities such as educating others about the environment, while local advocacy groups tackle specific causes, such as preventing deforestation. 

5. Virtual Volunteering

Virtual volunteering can be a great option for seniors with limited mobility, providing remote opportunities in their area where they can help from the comfort of their homes.

Many organizations offer virtual volunteer opportunities, such as:

• Remote data entry
• Virtual fundraising
• Crisis line volunteer
• Online tutoring
• Translators
• Visual support through Be My Eyes

Virtual volunteering can be an excellent way for seniors to stay engaged and make a difference, even if they cannot volunteer in person. Check online volunteer websites such as Volunteer Match to see all available virtual options.

6. International Volunteering

Seniors can also consider volunteering internationally through a volunteer vacation program or remotely with an international organization. ​“Volunteer vacations” combine volunteering and travel and usually occur through volunteer opportunities in other countries. Some organizations to look into include:

• ProjectsAbroad
• IVHQ
• Global Volunteers
• GoEco

When searching for a volunteer opportunity, there are a few questions seniors should keep in mind:

• What are my skills and personal interests? 
• Which of my skills or personal interests are most important to me? 
• What causes am I most passionate about?
• What type of work do I enjoy doing?
• What physical limitations do I have that could affect your volunteering?
• How much time can I dedicate to volunteer service? 

Many organizations offer a range of volunteer opportunities, so don’t be afraid to ask about different options.