The benefits of becoming a volunteer
If you’re at retirement age, you are likely to be facing some key decisions about your future and what you’re going to do with all the newfound freedom. Whether you decide to completely opt out of the workforce or look at transitioning out through part-time work, it’s a big lifestyle change that often has people wondering what to do with their time.
One of the valuable opportunities available is volunteering which brings a host of benefits to both you and the community. It’s a great way to take your life and career skills and channel them back in to worthy causes, supporting those in need while ensuring you continue to stay active, involved and contributing.
Connecting you to others – One of the better-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Unpaid volunteers are often the glue that holds a community together. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals and organisations in need.
Make new friends and contacts – Being a volunteer is a great way to meet new people, especially if you’re new to an area. Volunteering also strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities.
Skill development – Always wanted to learn about sustainability and conservation methods? Have experience with newsletters and like to try using them as an advocacy tool for a non-profit? Volunteering helps you learn new skills, keep skills sharp, or use existing skills in new ways.
Increase your social and relationship skills – While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills, since you are meeting regularly with a group of people with common interests.
Good for your mind and body – Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health including:
- Increasing self-confidence: you are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment, pride and identity.
- Combating depression: a key risk factor for depression is social isolation. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against stress and depression when you’re going through challenging times.
- Staying physically healthy: volunteering is good for your health at any age, but it’s especially beneficial in older adults. Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not, even when considering factors like the health of the participants.
I have limited mobility – can I still volunteer? Whether due to a lack of transportation, time constraints, a disability or other reasons, many people prefer to volunteer via phone or computer. There are many projects you can help with. Writing and graphic design lends itself to working at home, and in today’s digital age, many organisations might also need help with email and websites.
Have an impact – Last but not least, volunteering is one of the best ways we know of to make a difference in your community. Whatever your passion, however you get involved, volunteering offers a way to have a real and lasting impact on the world.