Volunteering as you age

Volunteering is great for building strong social connections and enriching your life. It creates opportunities to:

• Engage with others
• Contribute to meaningful causes
• Develop a stronger sense of purpose

There are many ways to give back to your community. For example, you could volunteer at your local:

• Library
• Food bank
• Zoo

Your contribution can make a big difference. Giving your time can have positive effects for yourself and others.

Volunteering supports healthy ageing

Helping others and contributing to your community is good for you. It has physical, mental, and social benefits.

Recent research shows that volunteering is linked to:

• Improved life satisfaction and optimism
• A stronger sense of belonging and purpose

Studies also show that older adults who volunteer often have:

• Better thinking skills
• Better physical health, including a lower risk of dying early
• Better mental health

Where to find volunteering opportunities

Volunteer work is on offer all over Australia. There’s a good chance you’ll find a role that matches what you’re interested in.

• Visit your local volunteering organisation, or search GoVolunteer, the Volunteering Australia database.
• SEEK Volunteer is another big database of voluntary jobs. It operates in partnership with Volunteering Australia.
• If you're interested in volunteering for a particular organisation, check their website for more information about the roles on offer.
• If you are feeling adventurous you can also try volunteering abroad or have a volunteer vacation.

Volunteering for older people

Many organisations value older volunteers as mentors and role models. Here are just a few larger organisations that have a good reputation with older people:

• COTA Australia (Council on the Ageing)
• Heart Foundation
• Meals on Wheels
• Cancer Council
• Grey Nomads
• Farm Army
• Seniors & Aged Care Volunteering Organisations | GoVolunteer

Older people are often the backbone of volunteer programs run by local councils and community centres. If you’d like to be more involved with your community, contact your local council.

Types of volunteering

There are many different types of voluntary roles. For example, short-term, long-term, and one-time volunteering options. Your schedule, interests, and preferences should help you choose a role.

If uncertain, start with a small commitment. This is a good way to try volunteering. It can also give you a better idea about the kind of voluntary position that might be the right fit for you.

Short term volunteering also gives you the chance to explore your interests and passions. It can lead to self-discovery, helping you to identify your strengths.

How to start volunteering

• Assess how much time you can realistically commit to volunteering.
• Make a list of your skills, or skills you want to learn.
• Identify areas of interest. What issues or causes appeal to you? What activities make you feel most fulfilled?
• Research different volunteering opportunities and organisations. Look for positions that match your interests and values.
• Explore the roles and responsibilities of each opportunity.
• Check if the organisation provides training for volunteers. This can help you build new skills and feel more confident in your role.
• Consider the level of support available from the organisation. Having a mentor can be helpful.
• Research how the organisation measures and communicates its impact. This matters if you want a role where you can see the results of your efforts.
• Is there a trial period for finding out if a role is the right fit for you?
• Volunteering should be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Taking the time to choose the right role will also help you to connect with more like-minded people.

How to understand if volunteering is right for you

It’s a good idea to reflect on any volunteering experience. It doesn’t matter if it’s a one-off or short-term role. Your time is valuable.

Even when you’ve found the right role, reflecting on it is important. This can ensure it remains meaningful. Reflection also lets you celebrate your achievements.

Volunteering environments may change over time. If a long-term voluntary role is no longer a fulfilling experience, find a new one that motivates you. There will always be good opportunities available to you.

You can find more tips and advice by following the links below:

• ABC 90 for 90: Ways to volunteer
• Benefits of volunteering | healthdirect
• For Volunteers - The Centre for Volunteering
• Can volunteering boost our mental health? | ABC listen
• Volunteer skills: definitions and examples | Indeed.com UK
• Ways to look after yourself while volunteering | ReachOut Australia

If you need more information, take the LiveUp quiz or get in touch with one of our helpful team on 1800 951 971.

References

Kim, E. S., Whillans, A. V., Lee, M. T., Chen, Y., & VanderWeele, T. J. (2020). Volunteering and subsequent health and well-being in older adults: An outcome-wide longitudinal approach. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 59(2), 176–186. https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(20)30138-0/fulltext

Nichol, B., Wilson, R., Rodrigues, A., & Haighton, C. (2024). Exploring the effects of volunteering on the social, mental, and physical health and well-being of volunteers: An umbrella review. VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, 35, 97–128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-023-00573-z

Volunteer Forever. (2023, October). Volunteer abroad opportunities for seniors and retirees. https://www.volunteerforever.com/article_post/volunteer-abroad-opportunities-for-seniors-and-retirees/

How to use this information

LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.

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