Why Should I Become A Senior Volunteer?
Many retired people see their friends diving into becoming a senior volunteer, some even full time. If it is not something that you are automatically drawn to, you may be wondering why you should consider it. Only you can decide if volunteering is the way that you want to spend your time, but you should understand the basic reasons that others are choosing to do it.
Volunteer to Pursue Your Interests
You may have had only one career your whole life, but you may have also had dreams that the one career did not allow for. With volunteering, you can pursue interests that you did not pursue earlier. Some volunteers receive extensive training if they make a commitment to be a senior volunteer. This way you can enter a desired field without having to make a career out of it.
Volunteer to Add Value to the Community
Of course, after you have lived a full life and raised a family, you have a lot of wisdom to add. Some programs will be based on building relationships and sharing that wisdom. It is a waste when people do not pass on their wisdom to others who could use it.
Volunteer to Add Meaning to Your Life
Some people find that after they retire, their sense of purpose dissipates. Volunteering gives you some of that purpose back. You can build relationships, filling in gaps in other people’s lives with programs like the foster grandparents program. Connecting with others is also key if your close family members have moved away. If you choose to do physical activities, volunteering can help keep you fit as well. Volunteering can be used to meet the needs of the community as well as meet your own needs.