Before I retired I often wondered what I would do with all the free time. The children were adults and out of the house, my husband, also retired, had his own interests: golf, TV sports, lunch with friends.
Then I realized what a golden opportunity awaited me—to join the millions of other women whose volunteer service keeps the nation going. All people, but especially women, do good and keep meaning in their lives by volunteering. Churches, hospitals, charities and civic organizations all want volunteers to help them carry out their missions.
I realized what a golden opportunity awaited me—to join the millions of other women whose volunteer service keeps the nation going.
Elaine Hopkins
Here are some other ideas:
Politics. One of the best non-partisan groups is the League of Women Voters. Their members register new voters, hold candidate forums and study issues. They are an influential grass roots group that politicians listen to and respect because of the comprehensive nature of the way they study and come to consensus on a range of challenging issues. And they always want and welcome new members to help.
To find the “League” (or LWV) in your town, search the internet to learn when they meet and show up. As a member, you could become a voter registrar, help register voters and attend their meetings. A bonus: you might make new friends and work side by side with someone whose opinions are opposite your own—then find out what you both agree on. It’s eye-opening.
To take politics to a deeper level, volunteer to help a candidate or a political party. Going door to door to talk to voters and distribute candidate material is fun—and you get to see their landscaping and pets up close. Many who answer the door will thank you for being a good citizen.
If you’re a patriot, then getting involved in politics at this level is one of the most important things you can do to further the cause of democracy. We are a nation of the self-governed, but most people choose to sit on the sidelines until election day.
Caregiver. At a recent luncheon I met two older women, one a widow and the other who never married. Both worked for decades then retired. The single woman had cared for her mother for years, even in a nursing home. There she met other women and helped brighten their days with activities such as games, puzzles, conversation.
After her mother’s death she continues to volunteer at the nursing home, meeting new patients and seeing friends she has met there.
The widow has become involved in pet rescue groups, saving homeless dogs and cats and finding new homes for them. She works with a no-kill shelter, walking the dogs, playing with the cats, giving these pets relief from their cages for a short time daily.
Travel. Seeing new sites is always a welcome activity, whether on an inexpensive bus trip sponsored by a park district or community college or an overseas vacation with a tour company. These range in price and activities, so a little computer research will pay off before booking a trip.
I prefer trips sponsored by universities, hoping to learn something valuable for the time and money required. Groups such as the World Affairs Council, the Sierra Club and National Geographic also sponsor travel with a side benefit of education or service. And if you can organize a group of friends to accompany you, that will add to the fun.
Education. Most communities have dozens of learning activities for older people and retirees. Learning a new skill—such as photography, music, a foreign language, computer expertise—can offer new ways to serve and lead to meeting new friends. Imagine learning a language enough to help recent immigrants assimilate—and you can learn from them as well.
Researchers have found that older people who find meaning in their lives live longer! So find activities that matter to you and go for it. To get started, search your nearest community college continuing education department or park district!
More posts will be coming about volunteering. Subscribe so you’ll be the first to know!
