Where can a retiree volunteer?
By Lisa Peake, RN
Retirement can bring a wonderful sense of freedom—but it can also leave us wondering, “What comes next?” For many older adults, volunteering provides an answer. It offers an opportunity to stay active, meet new people, share years of experience and, perhaps most importantly, continue to make a difference.
A Win-Win
Volunteering isn’t simply about helping others. It can be good for the volunteer, too! Winston Churchill famously said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Staying involved in the community can provide structure and purpose to our days, social connections and the opportunities to learn new skills. It can also help combat the isolation that sometimes accompanies retirement, relocation or changes in family and work life.
Use Your Skills
One of the greatest advantages of volunteering later in life is the opportunity to use the knowledge and experience you’ve accumulated over the years. A retired teacher may enjoy tutoring or mentoring. Someone with an accounting background might help a nonprofit with finances. A former business owner may have valuable organizational or leadership skills. Someone who simply enjoys people may find that greeting visitors, passing out programs at a concert or delivering meals is just as rewarding.
Where in Brevard?
The Space Coast offers many opportunities for older adults who want to stay involved. Aging Matters in Brevard takes part in the AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), connecting adults aged 55 and older with local volunteer opportunities that match their skills and availability. Current opportunities include Meals on Wheels, transportation for seniors and veterans, and meal preparation.
Brevard County’s BRAVE program—Brevardians Responding as Volunteers—provides opportunities to support county services, including libraries, parks, public works and administrative offices.
Senior centers, churches and synagogues, food pantries, animal shelters, museums, zoo, veterans organizations, performing arts groups and so many more deserving nonprofits rely on the service of volunteers.
Start Slow
Consider whether you want to work with people, animals, children, veterans, seniors—or behind the scenes using your professional skills. When you find something that interests you, start with a few hours a month.
A volunteer position (or a paying job) can be more than something to fill the calendar. It can help us realize that we still have something important to contribute. On October 9, connect with Space Coast organizations offering job and volunteer opportunities, during the Senior Job & Volunteer Fair at One Senior Place in Viera. For more information, call 321-751-6771 or visit www.OneSeniorPlace.com.
Lisa Peake is a Registered Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Care Manager for One Senior Place Care Management, Viera. Ms. Peake hosts a monthly seminar, ‘Senior Health Friday with Nurse Lisa.’ One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.