How seniors can find a new sense of purpose. -

Working with seniors every day, I know that the happiest of my clients are those with a real sense of purpose. Maybe it’s helping family members or neighbors, spending time at a senior center, or doing volunteer work.

Volunteering is a particularly great idea especially when you move into a new area as it’s a great way to meet people and find new purpose. But how do you actually find local volunteer gigs?

Here are 15 tips to help you identify an opportunity that will be a good fit.

Identify Interests and Skills: Assess your interests, skills, and passions. This will help narrow down the types of volunteer work you’ll enjoy. For example, if you love working with animals, a local animal shelter might be a great fit.
Consider Physical Abilities: Take into account any physical limitations or health concerns you have. Choose volunteer opportunities that align with your abilities to ensure a positive experience.
Local Community Centers and Senior Centers: Check with local community centers, senior centers, and retirement communities. These places often have information about local volunteer opportunities that are senior-friendly.
Online Volunteer Databases: There are various online platforms and databases dedicated to connecting volunteers with opportunities. Websites like VolunteerMatch.org, Idealist.org, and Senior Corps provide listings of volunteer opportunities based on location and interests.
Nonprofit Organizations: Many nonprofit organizations are in constant need of volunteers. Reach out to organizations that align with the senior’s interests. Examples could include food banks, hospitals, schools, libraries, museums, and environmental groups.
Churches and Religious Organizations: Religious institutions often organize community service projects. Check with local churches, synagogues, mosques, or temples for volunteer opportunities.
Local Schools: Schools often welcome senior volunteers to help with tutoring, mentoring, or assisting teachers in classrooms.
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Some seniors might enjoy volunteering at hospitals or healthcare facilities, providing comfort to patients or helping with administrative tasks.
Cultural and Arts Organizations: Museums, theaters, and art galleries sometimes have opportunities for seniors to volunteer as docents, tour guides, or event assistants.
Environmental Groups: If you have an interest in the environment, you might enjoy volunteering for park clean-ups, tree planting, or community gardening projects.
Virtual Volunteering: Consider virtual volunteering opportunities to contribute from the comfort of your home. This could include tasks like online tutoring, writing, or social media management for nonprofits.
Local Government: Check with local government offices for potential volunteer roles, such as assisting with voter registration drives, serving on advisory committees, or helping with community events.
Senior-Specific Organizations: Look for organizations specifically tailored to senior citizens, as they might offer unique volunteer opportunities that cater to their age group.
Networking and Recommendations: Reach out to friends, family members, or acquaintances who might have suggestions for volunteer opportunities or know of organizations seeking senior volunteers.
Contacting Organizations: Once you’ve identified potential opportunities, contact the organizations to inquire about their volunteer programs. Discuss your interests, availability, and any specific requirements they may have.