Volunteering After Retirement: Finding the Right Fit
Volunteering lets you share your skills, meet people and support causes you care about. Here is how to find opportunities that match your interests and schedule.
The short version
- Volunteering offers purpose, structure and social connection.
- Match opportunities to your interests, skills, schedule and physical abilities.
- Try a role for a few months before committing to more.
In this guide
Retirement can open up time to give back. Many retirees find that volunteering provides a sense of purpose, a regular routine and new friendships, along with the satisfaction of helping others. Whether you have a few hours a month or several days a week, there is likely an opportunity that fits.
Start by asking yourself a few questions
- What causes matter to me? Children, animals, the environment, health, education, arts, veterans, hunger?
- What skills do I want to use? Your career experience, such as accounting, teaching or carpentry, may be valuable to nonprofits.
- Do I want to learn something new? Volunteering can be a chance to try something completely different.
- Do I prefer working with people, animals or behind the scenes?
- How much time can I give, and do I want a regular schedule or occasional events?
- What are my physical abilities? Some roles involve standing or lifting, while others are seated.
Types of volunteer opportunities
Working with people
- Tutoring or mentoring students
- Reading to children at a library
- Visiting patients in hospitals or residents in care facilities
- Delivering meals to homebound older adults
- Serving as a museum or park guide
Using professional skills
- Offering business advice to small businesses through mentoring organizations
- Preparing tax returns for free through programs such as VITA or AARP Foundation Tax-Aide (training is provided)
- Serving on a nonprofit board
- Helping with bookkeeping, writing or technology
Behind the scenes
- Sorting donations at a food bank
- Knitting or sewing items for hospitals and shelters
- Making phone calls for a cause
- Gardening at a community garden
Animals and nature
- Walking dogs and socializing cats at animal shelters
- Trail maintenance and park cleanups
- Citizen science projects like bird counts
Programs designed for older adults
AmeriCorps Seniors includes programs for adults 55 and older:
- Foster Grandparent Program: mentoring children and young people
- Senior Companion Program: helping other older adults remain independent
- RSVP: a wide range of volunteer roles in local communities
Some of these programs offer a small stipend to volunteers with limited incomes.
Where to look
- Local volunteer centers and community foundations
- Senior centers and Area Agencies on Aging
- Libraries, schools and hospitals
- Places of worship
- Online volunteer matching websites
- Organizations you already support
Questions to ask before you commit
- What does the role involve, and what is the time commitment?
- Is training provided?
- Is a background check required?
- Are there any costs, such as transportation?
- Can I try it before committing long-term?
Tips for a good experience
- Start small. Try one role for a few months before adding more.
- Set boundaries. It is fine to say no to extra requests.
- Bring a friend. Volunteering together can be more fun.
- Remote options are available if travel is difficult. Many organizations need help with phone calls, writing or online tasks.
Volunteering and benefits
Most volunteering does not affect Social Security benefits. If you receive a stipend or are considering paid work, ask the program how it may affect any income-based benefits you receive.
