Is Volunteering Right For You?

August 10th, 2017

Submitted by Christine Stone, RN Clinical Liaison

Youngsters are not the only ones who can benefit from volunteering. Studies show that older people can greatly benefit from volunteer work. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 20 million older adults contributed in excess of three billion hours of community service between 2011 and 2013. And while there are many individual reasons to volunteer, the overall reason is the increased sense of purpose.

If you want to volunteer, but don’t know where to start, it’s important to find the right “fit.” Look for opportunities to best utilize your interests, skills and experience. Here are some things to consider when venturing into volunteerism.

Know your schedule. Write down your known commitments and daily schedule. Use this to determine how much free time you have to volunteer. Some volunteer opportunities have greater time requirements than others.
2. Consider your experience. Remember that you have a lifetime of knowledge to offer. Sharing the experience from your professional life can provide a sense of purpose that will make you feel like you’re still actively involved in your industry.
3. Consider all the possible volunteer opportunities. Volunteers offer their time because they have a passion to help others – and that can be given in many different ways.
4. Leave time for the rest of your life. Volunteering is a selfless act and oftend the backbone of charitable organizations. You need to leave time for the rest of your life as well. Leave time for your own hobbies and personal interests. Don’t over-extend yourself to the point where you (or your family) resents your volunteerism.

Finding the right volunteer opportunity can make all the difference for older men and women who want to give back to their communities.