Why volunteering is good for you — and ways you can lend your special touch

Read time: 3 minutes

If you’ve ever volunteered your services to any group, you probably felt good about it. And science backs that up.

Research shows that volunteering offers significant health benefits, especially for older adults. It can:

Improve your physical and mental health

Volunteer activities keep you moving and thinking at the same time. It reduces stress and releases dopamine. And reduced stress can decrease the risk of a host of health problems such as heart disease, depression and general illness.
Provide a sense of purpose and teach valuable skills

The volunteer work you provide is essential to everyday activities, which can increase your life satisfaction and self-esteem. In addition to lending your expertise, you can also learn new things.
Nurture new and existing relationships

People volunteer for different reasons (staying active during retirement, meeting new people, serving their communities), but the one thing they have in common is the desire to improve the health and welfare of others. When you and others come together over this shared bond, it strengthens your existing friendships, as well as expands your social network with new friends.

Your skills are as needed as they ever were

If you’ve recently retired, you might be busier than ever, wondering how you got everything done when you were working.

But if you have some free time and are wondering if anyone still needs your skills and talents, the answer is yes!

There’s no replacement for your expertise and talent based on your lifetime of experience. Nor is there a replacement for you. Your presence. Your personality. Your helpfulness and organization. Your ability to visit with people and let them know they matter.

Getting started

If you’d like to start volunteering, it’s a great time to lend a hand: April is National Volunteer Month.

If you don’t have anything particular in mind, check out volunteermatch.org or idealist.org to research organizations. If you want to look into a group further, these watchdog and opportunity websites can help: Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, Guidestar, and GiveWell.

And here are just a few of the many organizations and programs that would love to have your help.

AmeriCorps Seniors

Open to adults age 55 and older, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer opportunities range from visiting older adults at home for companionship to mentoring students in a classroom setting.
Mentoring or training young professionals

Big & Mini is an organization that facilitates intergenerational connection based on common interests. Check out bigandmini.org.
Local school support

Help teachers in their classrooms, tutor children in specific subject areas, and more.
Foster grandparent programs

Mentor and care for children in need in your area. Check with your local Area Agency on Aging.
Food delivery services

Help deliver meals to older adults through Meals on Wheels — found in most U.S. communities. Check with your local Area Agency on Aging.
Providing companionship at your local hospice agency

You can do everything from provide companionship to patients, help with clerical duties, or sew teddy bears and quilts.
Animal shelters

Provide companionship to animals. Check with your local humane society.
Community gardens

Help with general garden maintenance and much more. Your local library or garden store might have information on your local community garden.