From Helping Hands to Heartfelt Impact, How Seniors Make Volunteering Count

When you decide to volunteer, you’re doing more than giving your time,  you’re sharing your life experience, your empathy, and your perspective. Seniors bring something very special to volunteer roles: wisdom, patience, and a strong sense of community. But how can you ensure your efforts have a meaningful impact?

The answer lies in how you approach your volunteer work, with intention, respect, and reflection.

Organizations depend on volunteers to keep their programs running. Arrive on time, do what you’ve agreed to do, and take pride in your work. Even if your task seems small, your contribution matters more than you think. A friendly voice on the phone, a warm meal served, or a listening ear can change someone’s day.

If you can’t make a shift, let your coordinator know. That kind of communication shows professionalism and respect,  and builds trust between you and the organization.

Volunteering isn’t a solo effort,  it’s teamwork. You’ll work with staff, other volunteers, and the people you serve. Listen actively, share ideas respectfully, and be open to feedback. Many volunteers say that the friendships they form are as rewarding as the service itself.

Participate in meetings, attend group activities, and celebrate milestones together. When you volunteer, you’re not just giving back,  you’re joining a community of people who care.

Even as a senior volunteer, you’re never too old to learn something new. Many organizations offer training or workshops. Take advantage of them! Learning about cultural sensitivity, safety procedures, or the organization’s goals helps you make a stronger impact.

You can even keep a volunteer journal,  jot down what you’ve learned, the people you’ve met, and how you’ve grown. Reflecting helps you see the difference you’re making, and it may inspire you to take on new challenges or leadership roles in the future.

Every non-profit operates on trust. Keep information confidential, follow guidelines, and represent the organization positively,  in person and online. You are an ambassador for the cause you serve, and your professionalism helps strengthen its reputation.

At the end of each volunteer experience, take a moment to reflect. What impact did you make? What did you enjoy? What could be improved? Every bit of reflection helps you grow,  and it also helps the organization refine its programs.

Volunteering is about connection, with others, with your community, and with yourself. It’s about giving your time and heart where they’re needed most.

So, if you’re wondering how to make retirement more meaningful, volunteering may be your answer. The need in our communities is great,  and your life experience, compassion, and commitment can make all the difference. When seniors step forward, communities thrive.

You’re not just helping; you’re inspiring others to do the same. And that’s the kind of legacy worth leavin

Finding Your Place, Volunteering with Purpose in Retirement

Retirement opens a wonderful door,  the chance to give back to your community, share your skills, and make real connections. For many seniors, volunteering is one of the most fulfilling ways to stay active and purposeful. But how do you make sure your time and energy truly make a difference? The secret lies in finding the right fit,  a cause that speaks to your heart and aligns with your values.

When I first retired, I wasn’t sure what to do next. I’d volunteered before,  coaching a youth team and helping out during political campaigns,  but I wanted something new, something that felt meaningful in this stage of life. Then a friend asked me to join the board of a local charity that supported people in need. That opportunity opened my eyes. For eight years, I worked with dedicated people who wanted to make our community stronger. After that, I found my true calling, helping seniors. And I haven’t looked back.

The lesson I learned is simple: take time to explore before you commit. There’s no shortage of organizations needing volunteers, but the most satisfying experiences come when your interests and the organization’s needs truly connect.

Ask yourself: What issues touch my heart? Is it food security, environmental protection, mentoring youth, helping seniors, or caring for animals? Once you know your passion, it’s easier to find the right match.

Websites like Volunteer Canada, or your local volunteer centre, are great places to start. They list opportunities based on your skills, availability, and location. You can also reach out directly to charities you admire or ask friends and family about organizations they’ve worked with.

Take your time to do a little research:

• Read reviews and testimonials.
• Ask other volunteers about their experiences.
• Contact the organization directly to learn about their volunteer needs and expectations.

Every volunteer role comes with different expectations. Some need a regular weekly commitment, while others are project-based or one-day events. Be honest about how much time and energy you can give. Non-profits rely on dependable volunteers,  people they can count on,  so setting realistic boundaries helps everyone.

If your plans change, communicate early. Life happens, but organizations appreciate volunteers who keep them informed and engaged.

Many organizations offer orientation or training sessions to help you understand their mission and safety procedures. Attend these sessions and ask questions. A bit of preparation makes your experience more enjoyable,  and more impactful.

Most of all, remember that volunteering isn’t just about filling a role,  it’s about building relationships, learning, and sharing your gifts. Whether you’re tutoring a child, guiding a museum tour, or helping in a food bank, you’re making your community stronger.

Volunteering in retirement is more than a pastime;  it’s a powerful way to stay connected and purposeful. The first step is simply finding where you fit best. Once you do, you’ll discover that the rewards go far beyond what you give,  they come back to you in friendship, gratitude, and a renewed sense of belonging.

 

Feeling low, try volunteering to cheer you up.

 Volunteering benefits not just the organizations and people being helped but also the volunteers themselves. Research shows that volunteering can improve social connections, mental well-being, physical health, and overall quality of life. These benefits are particularly strong for older adults, who often experience increased purpose and reduced loneliness through volunteering. Helping others, participating in community programs, or engaging in environmental projects can contribute to better mental and physical health and even a longer life.

For retirees or those considering retirement, volunteering can be an excellent way to stay active, meet new people, and make a meaningful impact. Whether you choose to volunteer regularly or occasionally, the sense of accomplishment and connection that comes from giving back can boost your confidence and bring a sense of fulfillment.

Volunteering is part of what’s known as “social prescribing.” This approach connects people with activities and services in the community that help address social or emotional challenges, such as isolation or a lack of purpose. By engaging in volunteering through social prescribing, individuals can improve their well-being while contributing to their communities.

Volunteering is flexible, so you can choose something that suits your interests and schedule. Whether it's lending a hand in civic projects, environmental conservation, or educational programs, every effort counts. Beyond helping others, volunteering allows you to stay engaged with life, grow personally, and even discover new passions. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Keeping volunteers in your organization

I am on a number of organization that cater to seniors and use older volunteers. As an organizations we work hard to keep our volunteers with us. Making senior volunteers feel welcome is essential to ensuring they have a positive experience and want to continue to contribute their time and skills. Here are some tips on how we work to make senior volunteers feel welcome:

Senior volunteers often bring a wealth of experience and skills to the table. Show them respect by acknowledging their contributions and considering their input.

Provide adequate orientation and training to senior volunteers to help them understand their roles and responsibilities. This can help them feel more confident in their ability to contribute.

Adequate orientation and training for senior volunteers should provide them with the information and resources they need to understand their roles and responsibilities and feel confident in their ability to contribute effectively. This is a key element to keeping volunteers. We include the following in our orientation and training:

We provide senior volunteers with an overview of the organization, its mission, and its values. This can help them understand the context and feel more connected to the organization’s goals.

We also supply them with a clear job description outlining the specific tasks and responsibilities of their role. We also go over any expectations around attendance, punctuality, and other important factors.

All organizations have policies and procedures so we give them information on our policies and procedures, including any relevant health and safety information. This  ensures thatthey are aware of their rights and responsibilities and can work safely and effectively.

Many of our volunteers have done the work in previous lifes but we still provide training on any specific tasks or skills that theywill be performing. This may include training on computer systems, working with clients or customers, or handling specific equipment or materials.

Working in a new environment can be confusing if a person is not given an orientation to the physical space where they will be volunteering. This orientation will include information on where to find supplies, restrooms, and other important facilities.

Feedback is important so we provide our volunteers with ongoing support and feedback to help them feel confident in their role and make any necessary adjustments. This includes regular check-ins, training sessions, and opportunities for feedback and suggestions.

We also try to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our volunteers feel comfortable and appreciated. We make sure they have a designated workspace and access to the resources they need.

Communication is key to making our volunteers feel welcome. We take steps to communicate with them and we are also open to their feedback and suggestions.

Many of our volunteers have other commitments or health concerns that require flexibility in their volunteering schedule. We are open to accommodating their needs as much as possible.

We take the time throughout the year to recognize and appreciate the contributions of our volunteers. We host a number of  volunteer appreciation events and highlighting their contributions on social media or in other communications.

By following these tips, we think we created a welcoming environment for our  volunteers and we believe that thes practices help ensure our volunteers feel valued and appreciated for their contributions.

Think about volunteering

 What is volunteering?

Volunteering is the time you give to strengthen your community and improve others’ quality of life as well as your own. There are so many ways to be involved in the community:

     Speak to your passion 
Suit your personality 
Meet your interests
Build on your experiences
Fit into your lifestyle Contribute to your health and well-being

How can volunteering fit into my lifestyle?

You may be at a point in your life when you do not want to take on any more responsibility or you may be in a position to take charge. A wide spectrum of volunteer opportunities is available to suit various interests and circumstances.

You can volunteer…

·        From home

·        In an office

·        In a garden

·        Overseas

·        With family and friends

·        On your own

·        Just in the summer Once a year

·        Every day •

·        Now, later

·        Short-term longer-term, ongoing, or occasionally

LEADERSHIP

·        Facilitate a strategic planning session Serve on a Board or Committee Chair a fundraising campaign

·        Help start a tenants’ rights association

MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

·        Review a Human Resources Manual Organize a volunteer schedule for an event Enter data at a resource centre

·        Provide general office help

TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA

·        Design a website for an elder-care co-op Write a blog on affordable housing Customize a donor database for a food bank

·        Teach computer skills in a community centre

BUILDING AND HANDICRAFTS

·        Build a bookshelf for a reading room Sew costumes for a play

·   Teach card-making in a rehabilitation centre Build a stage for marathon ceremonies

·        Combine volunteering with other things that are important in your life such as:

·        Time with family (volunteer with your family or in your grandchildren’s school)

·        Travelling (joining an international development project overseas)

NATURE AND ENVIRONMENT

·        Walk a dog for a local animal shelter

·        Research pesticide bylaws in different cities

·        Plant vegetables in a community garden

ONE-TO-ONE SUPPORT

·        Tutor children

·        Comfort a victim of violence Be a mentor to a teen Coach an executive director

DIRECT SERVICE

·        Answer the phones for a helpline Prepare lunch in a soup kitchen Coach a team

·        Drive people to medical appointments

ENTERTAINMENT

·        Play piano for a sing-along at a retirement residence

·        MC at a volunteer service awards night Do a stand-up comedy act at a fundraiser Join a choir that entertains at community events 

·        Spending time with friends (get a group together to plan a special event)

·        Hobbies (teach puppet-making in a community centre)

·        Recreation (be a swimming buddy for someone with a disability)

Benefits of volunteering

·        In addition to the valuable contribution, you make to the community, volunteering has been proven to have many benefits for you as a volunteer:

Opportunities to:

·        Learn new skills Expand horizons

·        Maintain or establish a sense of belonging

·        Expand social and business contacts Stay active

Reduction of:

·        Stress, anxiety, and depression Low self-esteem

·        Social isolation Stress-related illness

Volunteering and retirement planning

·        Volunteering can play a key role at every stage, but it can also serve as a way to help you through transitions, such as retirement. Volunteering can contribute to your quality of life today and allow you to create a legacy for the future.

·        Whether your transition or retirement involves a change in your household, neighbourhood, health situation, employment status, or daily schedule, volunteering can make your days both meaningful and satisfying in new ways.

·        Volunteering can connect you to your community, help you maintain your skills or develop new skills, and allow you to participate in the democratic process. Volunteering can help shape and preserve the society you want to live in—for yourself and for generations to come.1

How to find the right volunteer opportunity:

Start by asking yourself the following questions:

·        What matters to me?

·        What skills and experiences do I want to share or develop?

·        What setting would be best for me?

·        Are there others I know who might like to volunteer together?

·        What are the challenges and issues in my community, the country, and in the world?

What kind of volunteer are you?

Take the Volunteer Quiz and get some ideas of what might suit your interests, skills, and personality. www.getinvolved.ca

Finding volunteer opportunities

·        To find current opportunities, call an organization you know, contact your local volunteer centre, look in your neighbourhood newspaper, or check out websites or databases for volunteers.

www.volunteer.ca 

www.getinvolved.ca

www.charityvillage.ca   

www.govolunteer.ca

 To find more information on seniors’ services and benefits, visit www.seniors.gc.ca  or your local Service Canada office.

This information was prepared by Volunteer Canada at the request of the Forum of Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors. 

Volunteering?

From the time I started to work in education, I became a volunteer. I was a volunteer coach, tutor, union rep, organizer, etc. When I retired, I continue to volunteer. It is an important part of who I am and what I do. Volunteering is the time I give to strengthen my community and improve others’ quality of life as well as my own. There are so many ways to be involved in the community that I don’t understand why so few volunteers. You can find volunteering opportunities that:

·       Speak to your passion

·       Suit your personality

·       Meet your interests

·       Build on your experiences

·       Fit into your lifestyle

·       Contribute to your health and well-being

You may be at a point in your life when you do not want to take on any more responsibility or you may be in a position to take charge. There is a wide spectrum of volunteer opportunities available to suit a range of interests and circumstances.

You can volunteer…

·       From home

·       In an office

·       In a garden Overseas

·       With family and friends

·       On your own

·       Just in the summer

·       Once a year Every day

·       Now, later Short-term,

·       longer-term, ongoing,

·       or occasionally

The possibilities Combine volunteering with other things that are important in your life such as:

·       Time with family (volunteer with

·       your family or in your

·       grandchildren’s school)

·       Travelling (joining an international development project overseas)

·       LEADERSHIP Facilitate a strategic planning session Serve on a Board or Committee Chair a fundraising campaign Help start a tenants’ rights association

·       MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Review a Human Resources Manual Organize a volunteer schedule for an event Enter data at a resource centre Provide general office help

·       TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA Design a website for an elder-care co-op Write a blog on affordable housing Customize a donor database for a food bank Teach computer skills in a community centre

·       BUILDING AND HANDICRAFTS Build a bookshelf for a reading room Sew costumes for a play Teach card-making in a rehabilitation centre Build a stage for marathon ceremonies

What type of volunteering can I do?

·       NATURE AND ENVIRONMENT Walk a dog for a local animal shelter Research pesticide bylaws in different cities Plant vegetables in a community garden

·       ONE-TO-ONE SUPPORT Tutor children Comfort a victim of violence Be a mentor to a teen Coach an executive director

·       DIRECT SERVICE Answer the phones for a helpline Prepare lunch in a soup kitchen Coach a team Drive people to medical appointments

·       ENTERTAINMENT Play piano for a sing-a-long at a retirement residence MC at a volunteer service awards night Do a stand-up comedy act at a fundraiser Join a choir that entertains at community events Spending time with friends (get a group together to plan a special event) Hobbies (teach puppet-making in a community centre) Recreation (be a swimming buddy for someone with a disability)

In addition to the valuable contribution you make to the community, volunteering has been proven to have many benefits for you as a volunteer:

·       Opportunities to Learn new skills Expand horizons Maintain or establish a sense

·       of belonging Expand social and business contacts Stay active

·       Reduction of Stress, anxiety, depression Low self-esteem Social isolation Stress-related illness

·       Volunteering and retirement planning

·       Volunteering can play a key role at every stage but it can also serve as a way to help you through transitions, such as retirement. Volunteering can contribute to your quality of life today and allow you to create a legacy for the future.

Whether your transition or retirement involves a change in your household, neighbourhood, health situation, employment status, or daily schedule, volunteering can make your days both meaningful and satisfying in new ways.

Volunteering can connect you to your community, help you maintain your skills or develop new skills, and allow you to participate in the democratic process. Through volunteering, you can help shape and preserve the society you want to live in—for yourself and for generations to come.

www.getvolunteering.ca

How to find the right volunteer opportunity:

Start by asking yourself the following questions:

·       What matters to me?

·       What skills and experiences do

·       I want to share or develop?

·       What setting would be best for me?

·       Are there others I know who might

·       like to volunteer together?

·       What are the challenges and issues in my community, country, in the world?

Take the Volunteer Quiz and get some ideas of what might suit your interests, skills, and personality.

www.getinvolved.ca

To find current opportunities, call an organization you know, contact

your local volunteer centre, look in your neighbourhood newspaper, or check out websites or databases for volunteers.

·       www.volunteer.ca

·       www.getinvolved.ca

·       www.charityvillage.ca

·       www.govolunteer.ca

I can relate

 The following was inspired by Ken Kuhn in the Tri-Cities Seniors Action Society Newsletter. Thank you, Ken.

Cooperation, Volunteering, and Civic Participation

It is cooperation, not competition that has allowed humanity to survive over the ages. Social Darwinism theory tied with the rise of libertarianism in the 80s has led us to believe that there are limited resources, and we suffer by helping others. It’s the foundation of this belief that if you are poor, then it is your fault. The super-rich benefit by seeing the lower classes fighting. The media reinforce the lie of exaggerated individuality and narcissism that we must fight hard against. 

We must say I will love my fellow humans, I will feed the poor, I will help the sick….and, if we all work together, we can have good lives full of plenty.

Most people we run into, are good people. No one wants anyone to go hungry, nobody wants people to go without medicine or seeing a doctor, living in a decent home, all the basic stuff. We should be able to provide for everyone.

Civic participation and volunteering are pillars of our community and can help people keep a healthy, active and engaged life. These benefits can be observed in older adults who build relationships while participating and volunteering that reduces loneliness and social isolation, but also improves their health and quality of life. Civic participation and volunteering aim to help others, solve community problems, or produce common goods or results. 

Such participation conveys the idea of social action, such as helping friends and neighbours, donating to a charity or organization, or volunteering for a community organization. Organizations in our community surely need you. Civic participation and especially volunteering seem to be the key to meeting the needs of older adults, exercise, building relationships, and healthy active aging. But beyond volunteering, you can also be an agent of change by defending a social, environmental, or political cause. 

Make your voice heard in order to influence decision-making processes. Our communities have civic elections coming this Fall so be sure you get involved and give that “seniors’ voice” to making our community “age-friendly--from 8 to 80 years of age or from stroller to walker” and making our communities safe for all--including older adults.

Giving Your Time Away

 One joy of retirement is that you are into a time of life when making a buck and worrying about using your time “profitably” is less of an issue. But it’s not entirely accurate that all senior citizens want to retire to spend the day rocking on the back porch and taking long naps. Human beings are by nature workers and doers and that need to be productive and be a part of something bigger than yourself doesn’t go away the day you stop working for a living.

Therefore, volunteering is such a great way for senior citizens to use the time and talents they have to benefit others. And more and more, nonprofit and community service organizations are finding a rich resource of free and enthusiastic talent in the ranks of senior citizens. For the senior citizen, the chance to volunteer for a cause gives them a chance to feel important and useful. It provides human contact outside of their age group, which is often a frustration for seniors. While seniors love being with those of their own generation, it’s just as important for them to be with people the age of their kids, young people, teenagers and children regularly. In addition, volunteering gives seniors a chance to invest themselves in something they believe strongly in and do so with a greater depth of commitment than they ever could before they retired.

The opportunities for volunteering in the community are so diverse that you can literally find a volunteering opportunity to fit any retirement situation and any temperament type or area of interest. Here are a few great volunteering ideas just to start the list.

If you have had a life of commitment to your church, there is always a need for volunteers to work on ongoing projects there. Many churches operate libraries, youth and family centres and schools who thrive on volunteers to keep reaching out to the community with these services.

If you love the outdoors, the parks service may use you to help with upkeep projects on city lands. You can also help coordinate charity events such as fun runs and marathons, which will get you plenty of fresh air and do good for others along the way.

The arts often use volunteers, and you get to take part in great artistic programs. Opportunities like ushering at plays or music events at the local theatre, serving at the admittance desk or conducting tours at the museum or helping to build sets for the local theatre group can be great fun for an outgoing senior citizen.

For senior citizens who are homebound or introverted, they can find work stuffing envelopes, doing internet research or making phone calls for charitable causes from the comfort and safety of their living room.

For the retired senior who is good with tools and loaded with knowledge and talent about construction, habitat for humanity is an outstanding and ongoing program that will use those skills to the fullest. Missions programs from local churches also find great work for talented seniors who want to help the less fortunate.

These are just the tip of the ice burg of the great ways senior citizens can volunteer. Seniors are great volunteers because they are full of life and energy, but are patient and skilled at managing projects because of a lifetime of achievement. Therefore, volunteering is a perfect match for the needs of seniors to get out and engage in life. And they make a real difference in important causes along the way.

Ideas for Volunteering in Retirement

My friends sometimes tease me about the number of organizations I am involved with on a regular basis. One of my friends said to me the other day, you and I volunteered while we were working. We spent 100's of hours helping, taking charge and running programs successfully. I have had it I would not do it again for love or money." I laughed as he was right but for him. I enjoy what I do, and I know that it does help some people. Not everyone will continue to volunteer once they retire, and many when they retire consider volunteering as a way to help pass the time. No matter what helps you decide to volunteer, or makes you think about volunteering it is important that you select something you are passionate about, and that you decide how much time you will spend on the activity on a monthly basis. I know there are a lot of well-known organizations that have extremely active and established volunteer programs, such as Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, American Red Cross, and Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Alternatively, you may want to devote your time to serving political campaigns you believe in or work with organizations that help seniors or other groups.

I was talking to one senior, and we were discussing volunteering and he said that he and his wife wanted to volunteer but when they started to explore their options, he said a number of places put restrictions on them. I asked what he meant. He said the organizations wanted to dictate the number of hours they could volunteer, the days they could volunteer, etc. He said he and his wife were not willing to give up their retirement freedom, even for good causes.

Schools, hospitals, libraries, and food banks are all outlets where you can offer your availability locally. If you’re looking for other interesting and off-the-beaten-path volunteering ideas, why not become a: 

·         Sports coach 

·         Art teacher

·         Music teacher

·         Museum docent 

·         Local tour guide 

·         Foreign language or English as a Second Language teacher

Or donate your time to a local: 

·         Nature park or wildlife preserve

·         Botanical garden  

·         Recycling center

·         Neighborhood cleanup committee 

·         Religious center

·         Animal shelter 

·         Women’s rights organization

For anyone with limited mobility or transportation, there are ways to help without leaving your home! You can mentor students online, make fundraising calls, foster animals, offer administrative help, or become a host family to an exchange student.

The big issue with volunteering is that there are not enough volunteers to go around and that is a problem. If you find your passion and start to help, it is too easy to fall into a time trap where you are giving too much of yourself and you will burn out. So, my advice is if you start to volunteer, learn to say no quickly to new opportunities that will be presented to you, By learning to say no, you will still contribute while having fun without losing yourself to a time trap.