Welcome to Rethink Retirement. A monthly blog series where I will explore different topics related to all things retirement. Each month I will answer questions and provide insight into this exciting and sometimes challenging time in your life.
For this month’s Rethink Retirement blog, I look at the benefits of volunteering during retirement. Enjoy!
Your retirement day has arrived. Your job and career demands are gone, and you now have all this free time to do whatever you want. But what happens when you don’t know what to do, and you find yourself at a loss?
People are living healthier and longer lives, and as a result, their retirement years can be very long as well. Without a plan and lack of daily structure, many retirees struggle filling their days, staying connected, and finding purpose in their lives.
Volunteering can offer the perfect solution.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the definition of a volunteer is, “A person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task.” The key words in this definition are “freely offers”. There is something special about people selflessly offering to assist, help, or mentor others, on their own time and own free will.
Research has shown that volunteering has many benefits. Here are just a few:
- Increased longevity. People who volunteer live longer. But only if they are doing something that is meaningful to them, and their intention is to truly help others.
- Improved health. Health benefits include better sleep, improved physical well-being, and less likelihood of developing illnesses.
- Mental sharpness.
- Prevent isolation, boost self-esteem, improve cognitive resilience, and stave off depression.
- Create lasting friendships and connections.
- Renewed sense of purpose.
- Happiness!
- Leave a legacy.
There are numerous ways to volunteer your time and many resources to help you find one that is right for you. Just google, “volunteer in retirement” and over 72 million search results pop up. The possibilities are endless.
When considering your own volunteering path, think about what you enjoy, what causes or charities are close to your heart, and what tasks you are best suited for. If you are not sure where to start, try speaking with friends and family or seek assistance from a retirement coach.
“As a volunteer there is a lot of joy to be derived from helping others who are not as fortunate.”
– David E. (Volunteer for over 20 years)
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