When you retire, you may find that you miss the social interaction and connections that were a regular part of your day while you worked.
One of the best things you can do for your own well-being is to get involved in activities you enjoy. Even better, improve your physical and mental health and help others by volunteering. Not only will being involved make you feel useful, you’ll also be making a positive impact in your community.
Why It’s Good to Stay Involved
The National Institute on Aging says that when seniors get involved, it benefits them in some really impactful ways. Being involved enhances the overall well-being of seniors. Seniors who are involved in meaningful activities will benefit in the following ways:
- Reduces your chance of developing dementia.
- Helps you live longer.
- Increases your overall happiness.
- Lessens your chance of developing depression.
- Enhances your coping skills.
- Boosts your thinking and brain power.
- Keeps you healthier by reducing the chances of chronic illnesses, like high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity.
How to Get Started Volunteering
One of the most beautiful things a person can do is give some of their own precious time to support a good cause and help others. If you have the desire, there are volunteer opportunities for every interest and cause. If you aren’t sure where to start, ask yourself a few questions:
1. Are there any causes I feel drawn to?
When your volunteer work directly benefits something you feel passionate about, you’ll be more likely to continue volunteering. Helping out with a cause that pulls on your emotions will also cause your brain to release loads of endorphins and serotonin, helping you feel happy and satisfied.
Still not sure how to help? Consider the following causes:
- Environmental: Planting trees, helping clean up parks, or community gardening.
- Animals: Help in an animal shelter, do fundraising, or foster pets.
- Veterans: Spend time with veterans or volunteer at a hospital.
- Homeless: Deliver food, help with clothing drives, or serve food.
- Children: Work in a school, at a children’s hospital, or help sort clothes.
- Literacy: Volunteer at a library or read to children at schools or hospitals.
2. Where do I want to volunteer?
Do you want to stay in your own community, or are you willing to drive for the right cause? Be sure you have a clear idea of where you are willing to go to volunteer. This will help narrow down the opportunities and make it easier to find the right one for you.
3. How much time can I devote to volunteering?
Volunteer opportunities come in all shapes and sizes – from a few hours a month to 40 hours per week. Know how much time you can devote to volunteering before you even begin searching for opportunities.
Once you answer these questions, you can begin searching for the right opportunity for you. If you prefer to make phone calls or visit in person, good places to start your search for volunteer opportunities include:
- Community centers
- Animal shelters
- Schools
- Churches
- Homeless shelters
- Hospitals
If you prefer to search online, there are many websites that can help you find the right match:
You can also check your city’s website to see if they have local opportunities for volunteering.
Other Ways to Get Involved
There are many other ways to stay involved during retirement and keep strong social connections to others. Check out these following options that might be a good fit for you:
Senior Groups
- Senior centers in your community
- Travel clubs
- Book groups
- Red Hat Society
- Arts and crafts groups
- Knitting circles
- Writing groups
Exercise
- Senior weightlifting classes
- Swimming or water cardio for seniors
- Walking groups
- Senior-specific yoga
- Silver Sneakers fitness groups
Other Ways to Get Involved
- Take a class at your local library
- Organize game nights
- Consider part-time work
- Check out senior social networking sites
- Think about senior living communities
- Get more involved in faith-based groups
To make the most of your retirement, it’s important to fill your time with something that brings meaning to your life. For most people, this means having strong social connections and being involved.
Simplify the Life Insurance Talk with Americo Senior Life
Once you’ve determined how to best spend your time, be sure you also plan for your future expenses with a whole life insurance policy from Americo Senior Life. A whole life insurance policy from Americo Senior Life can provide coverage for your final expenses so that’s one less thing for your family to worry about. We have a variety of affordable senior life insurance coverage options to meet your needs. Help give your family peace of mind and contact Americo Senior Life today to get a free quote today.