People love volunteering for various reasons. And volunteering makes both big and small changes in the world. When living in 55 and older community, people often have more time to give back.
There are many volunteer activities retired and semi-retired people can do. For example, some people may volunteer at schools, or at public libraries. Spending time reading to children or helping a young adult are great ways to help kids learn and develop. Another place volunteers are always needed is at food pantries and emergency shelters. Helping to preparing food, sorting through donations, as well as taking on more administrative roles for a local non-profit organization are all valuable contributions that make life just a bit better. Many active adult communities have volunteer days right in the community. Homeowners do a community clean up day, plant vegetables in the community gardens, pitch in to make improvements to community amenities and spaces, and volunteer to walk a neighbor’s dog or bring a neighbor a meal if one of them is in need. That’s what building communities is all about.
Active adults ages 55 and older have many of the skills that charitable organizations need. Just because you are over 55 doesn’t mean you are not needed. Are you skilled at teaching, or were you an office professional with typing skills, filing, and bookkeeping? Are you talented at cooking, sewing, coaching sports, arts and crafts, fundraising and community outreach? Whatever your profession, bring those skills with you to a local NGO and they will put them, and you, to good use.
Whether it’s once a week or once a month, dedicating time and energy to helping others provides both personal fulfillment and the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. So if you’re looking for ways to stay engaged after leaving the workforce and having more time (thanks a low maintenance home!), consider volunteering your time and skills to help those around you. You’ll be glad you did!
So remember, volunteering doesn’t have to stop only because you are living in 55 and older communities in Colorado.