The Top Seven Retirement Activities, Part 3B

We’re continuing our series on the Top Seven Retirement Activities—the key habits and routines that make for a fun, meaningful, and well-rounded life after work.

So far, we’ve covered:

• #1: Exercise and Staying Healthy
• #2: Building and Maintaining Strong Social Connections
• #3: Some Form of Work

If you missed any of these, be sure to go back and check them out so you can catch up.

Last time we only got through the “work” part of activity #3. This time we’ll cover the “some form of”…which is really just a deep dive into volunteering and why it’s a solid work-like alternative.

Let’s get started…

Benefits of Volunteering 

Not to be outdone by all the work options we covered in the last post, volunteering seems like a retirement superpower in and of itself.

I’ll share some key parts of posts I’ve written, some additional research, and a few thoughts from ChatGPT on all the great benefits of volunteering.

We’ll begin with what I shared about volunteering in What the Happiest Retirees Know, Developing Core Pursuits and the Benefits of Volunteering:

The number one core pursuit for happy retirees is volunteering. As luck would have it, giving to others also provides huge benefits to you. Retirees who volunteer report much higher self-rated health scores than those who don’t. I’ve seen this in practice: HROBs (happy retirees) who volunteer are consistently healthier than their UROB (unhappy retiree) counterparts.

Volunteering is win-win, because it’s good for other people and good for you. Think of all those who’ve adopted a rescue animal. Once Sparky is trotting around the house, begging for walks and bones, rare is the HROB who says, “I saved Sparky,.” More often, they say, “Sparky saved me.”

Don’t take my word for it. A 2019 independent report by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency responsible for the nation’s volunteer and service efforts, stated that: “Senior Corps volunteers report much higher self-rated health scores, which is considered a valid marker of actual health, compared to older adults in similar circumstances who do not volunteer. They also reported feeling significantly less depressed and isolated compared to non-volunteers. ” Senior Corps is a United States government agency with the mission of providing aid to senior citizens in communities while promoting a sense of community.

Check out these amazing statistics from AmeriCorps:

• • After two years of service in the Senior Corps, 84 percent of older adults reported improved or stable health.
  • 32 percent of Senior Corps volunteers who reported good health at the beginning of the study reported improved health at the two-year follow-up.
  • Of those who reported five or more symptoms of depression at the beginning of the study, 78 percent said they felt less depressed two years later.
  • 88 percent of Senior Corps volunteers who first described a lack of companionship reported a decrease in feelings of isolation after two years.
  • Among those who initially reported a lack of companionship, 71 percent reported an improvement in their companionship status.
  • Volunteering is good for your health. Full stop. I encourage every retiree and pre-retiree I work with to volunteer for a cause they believe in.

Let’s keep piling on. In The Health Benefits of Volunteering, they list the health benefits of volunteering as follows:

• • Broader social network. Staying social is good for your mental health, especially as you age. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people who share your interests.
  • Enhanced mental wellbeing. Being a volunteer can help reduce your risk of anxiety and depression. That’s due, in part, to how the brain responds to volunteering. When you volunteer, the brain produces hormones, such as dopamine, that boost your mood.
  • Higher happiness levels. A 2020 study by researchers in the United Kingdom found that volunteering increased participants’ happiness over time. In addition, people who volunteered at least monthly reported better mental health than less frequent volunteers.  
  • Longer lifespan. Volunteering has been linked with helping individuals live longer.
  • Lower blood pressure. Volunteering may help reduce blood pressure, perhaps by increasing physical activity and lowering stress. That’s important because high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
  • More movement. Volunteering may help you increase your activity level, depending on the type of service.
  • Stress relief. Donating your time to others can help you reduce stress. 

Are there any of those you don’t want???????

Let’s keep going. Here are “5 surprising health benefits of volunteering” from another source:

• • Decreased risk of depression
  • A mental health boost
  • Increased physical activity
  • Reduced stress
  • Lower blood pressure

Finally, check out 3 health benefits of volunteering from the Mayo Clinic:

1. Improves physical and mental health.

2. Provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills.

3. Nurture new and existing relationships.

Do you want some of that in your retirement? I thought so.

But wait, there’s more! Hahaha.

I asked ChatGPT to give me some benefits of volunteering and here’s what it said:

Volunteering offers a wide range of benefits, especially in retirement when people are looking for purpose, connection, and ways to stay active. Here are some key benefits:

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Benefits of Volunteering in Retirement

• • Provides a Sense of Purpose – Giving back offers a deep sense of meaning and fulfillment, especially after leaving a career that provided structure and identity.
  • Boosts Mental Health – Studies show volunteering reduces depression, anxiety, and stress while boosting overall emotional well-being.
  • Improves Physical Health – Volunteers often experience lower blood pressure, less chronic pain, and better overall health due to increased activity and engagement.
  • Keeps You Mentally Sharp – Volunteering often involves learning new skills, solving problems, and interacting with others—all of which help keep the brain engaged.
  • Builds Social Connections – It’s a great way to meet new people, form friendships, and stay socially active—especially important for retirees who may feel isolated.
  • Adds Structure to Your Days – Regular volunteer commitments give you a reason to get out of the house and create a healthy routine.
  • Lets You Use Your Skills and Experience – Volunteering is a great way to continue using the talents and knowledge you gained during your career, but without the stress.
  • Can Lead to New Opportunities – Many volunteers discover new passions, side projects, or even part-time jobs through the connections they make while serving.
  • Improves Your Community – You make a tangible impact—whether you’re helping a nonprofit, mentoring students, or supporting a cause you care about.
  • Feels Good – Simply put, helping others feels good—and that joy and satisfaction can’t be overstated.

Not surprisingly, these are very similar to the benefits you get from working.  🙂

In addition to all this, ask almost any volunteer and they will say they get more than they give by serving.

And these studies back them up – there are so many amazing benefits to volunteering.

In particular, “feeling good” is one that can’t be quantified but is very worthwhile IMO.

Tips for Choosing a Volunteering Opportunity in Retirement

Moving on, let’s say you’re convinced that volunteering in retirement is something you should at least consider, but you’re unsure where to begin.

I asked ChatGPT to take us through some ideas for picking a volunteering opportunity in retirement, and it gave me this:

• • Start with Your Interests and Passions – Think about causes or activities that excite you—animals, education, the environment, faith, mentoring, healthcare, etc. Volunteering is more fulfilling when it aligns with what you already care about.
  • Assess Your Skills and Experience – You don’t have to “start over”—leverage the skills from your career or hobbies to provide real value. Retirees often make great mentors, advisors, organizers, or instructors.
  • Decide How Much Time You Want to Commit – Some opportunities require regular, weekly involvement; others are more flexible or event-based. Choose something that fits your schedule and energy level.
  • Consider the Type of Environment You Enjoy – Do you prefer working behind the scenes or interacting with people? Indoors or outdoors? One-on-one or with groups? Matching the setting to your personality makes a big difference.
  • Start Small and Test It Out – Try short-term or one-time events before committing long-term. This lets you explore different options and find the right fit without overcommitting.
  • Look for Opportunities that Offer Social Interaction (If Desired) – If building new relationships is part of your retirement goals, look for volunteer roles that involve team-based or public engagement.
  • Check for Training or Onboarding Requirements – Some roles, especially in healthcare or mentoring, may require background checks or training. Make sure you’re comfortable with any steps needed to get started.
  • Ask About the Impact – Choose organizations that are well-managed and transparent about the difference your time makes. Knowing your efforts matter adds to your sense of purpose.
  • Balance Passion with Practicality – Make sure your choice fits your physical, emotional, and logistical capabilities. If travel, physical activity, or emotional demands are too high, it might not be sustainable long-term.
  • Consider Virtual Volunteering – If mobility or travel is a concern, many organizations offer ways to contribute remotely—tutoring, mentoring, writing, admin help, etc.

That’s some pretty good advice IMO and serves as a great starting point for any of us wanting to volunteer in retirement.

I’d particularly emphasize the part about it being something you’re extremely interested in/motivated by/passionate about.

Yes, you’re doing this (at least in part) to give back. But you also want to be sure you get something out of it (after all, you are spending your valuable retirement time on it). So it’s best to be picky up front when selecting an opportunity.

Retirement Volunteer Ideas

Now that we have some general guidelines for finding an opportunity, the next logical step (at least to me) is to look at possible volunteer opportunities/ideas for volunteering. 

Here’s what Chat had to offer:

Here are a variety of places and types of organizations where retirees often find meaningful volunteer opportunities, categorized by interest area:

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Education & Youth

• • Schools – Tutor students, assist teachers, or help with reading programs.
  • Libraries – Run storytime sessions, assist with events, or help organize materials.
  • Mentoring programs – Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters or SCORE for business mentoring.
  • After-school programs – Help with homework, sports, or creative activities.

⸻

Healthcare & Wellness

• • Hospitals and clinics – Greet visitors, assist with patient support, or help with admin tasks.
  • Hospice and palliative care – Offer companionship and emotional support to patients and families.
  • Health awareness organizations – Volunteer with groups like the Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, or Red Cross.

⸻

Community Service

• • Food banks and pantries – Sort food, distribute meals, or help with logistics.
  • Habitat for Humanity – Help build homes or support administrative needs.
  • Homeless shelters or housing programs – Assist with services or offer mentoring/job support.
  • Animal shelters – Walk dogs, socialize cats, help with adoptions, or manage outreach.

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Faith-Based Organizations

• • Churches, synagogues, or mosques – Volunteer in community outreach, youth programs, or mission work.
  • Faith-based charities – Work with groups like Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or Samaritan’s Purse.

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Environment & Outdoors

• • Parks and recreation departments – Trail maintenance, park beautification, or event assistance.
  • Environmental nonprofits – Participate in clean-ups, wildlife protection, or sustainability education.
  • Botanical gardens or nature centers – Help with tours, gardening, or education programs.

⸻

Arts & Culture

• • Museums – Serve as docents, tour guides, or exhibit assistants.
  • Theaters – Usher performances, help with costumes/props, or work in box offices.
  • Historical societies – Help preserve and share local history.

⸻

Veterans & Military Support

• • VA hospitals or clinics – Assist with non-clinical needs or visit with patients.
  • Military support nonprofits – Help with care package assembly, outreach, or administrative needs.

⸻

Virtual Volunteering

• • Remote tutoring or mentoring – Assist students or professionals online.
  • Writing and editing – Support nonprofits with newsletters, social media, or grant writing.
  • Administrative help – Offer tech support, data entry, or virtual event planning.

Wow! There are a lot of ideas there!

Certainly there’s something for everyone – if not an exact idea, at least enough to spark an idea that leads to the right volunteering opportunity for you.

What Volunteering in Retirement Looks Like for Me 

I volunteered quite extensively when we lived in Michigan and ended up raising millions of dollars for charity.

Since then, I haven’t found the right volunteer fit for me – at least in the traditional sense (other than being an usher at church).

That said, I do consider my work at ESI Money as a volunteer activity in some respects. It is published with no cost to anyone and has almost 1,500+ articles already posted – that people can go back to, read, and learn from.

But as far as more traditional volunteering, I don’t do that currently. And I have a couple of thoughts on this going forward…

First, I can make more money doing what I do, then impact thousands more people by giving those extra funds. If I spent that time volunteering, I would have a much more limited impact. 

For example, if I volunteered an hour a week for 52 weeks, that would be 52 hours. Let’s say I could make $100 an hour (which is quite realistic), so those 52 hours would generate $5,200. Which would impact more people — if I worked at something for 52 hours or gave away $5,200? Maybe it’s not clear, but I think the money would do more good and have a greater impact.

That said, there is something said for being more hands-on in volunteering, so I am currently considering a few options for the future:

• Teaching high school and college students as well as young adults about the basics of personal finance. I would need to find a venue for this, but it’s certainly needed.
• Serving on an advisory board for our town. They have needs every year and there are several committees where my experience could prove valuable (at least in my mind, lol.)
• Going back to my roots and doing budget counseling for those having money troubles. Not sure I’m up for the brutality of it (listening to people justify doing stupid stuff and not taking any advice/action), but maybe I am.
• Volunteering in some capacity at church or a related non-profit. I would want the position to take advantage of my skills (leadership, marketing, fundraising, etc.) and not simply center around “busy work.”

We’ll see what the future holds. Any of these or something completely new might work. 

So, as I wrap up this post, have I convinced you to at least CONSIDER some form of work or work-like activity in retirement? I certainly hope so! 😉

Additional ESI Money posts to read for more on this subject include:

• What the Happiest Retirees Know: Developing Core Pursuits and the Benefits of Volunteering – This article emphasizes that volunteering is a top “core pursuit” among the happiest retirees, offering social engagement, purpose, and activity.
• How ESI Money Readers Are Giving and Volunteering – A collection of reader stories showcasing various ways individuals contribute their time and resources, highlighting the personal fulfillment derived from giving back.
• Working or Volunteering in the New Retirement – This piece discusses how retirees can find meaningful volunteer opportunities that align with their skills and interests, enhancing their retirement experience.
• How to Have a Purposeful Retirement, Part 1 – Explores the psychological and health benefits of volunteering, citing studies that link altruistic activities to increased happiness and longevity.
• How to Reinvent Yourself in Retirement, Part 3 – Highlights volunteering as a key component in redefining one’s identity post-career, offering structure and a sense of contribution.
• Three Retirement Needs You Must Satisfy – Identifies volunteering as a means to fulfill essential retirement needs: structure, purpose, and social interaction.
• The Best Post-Retirement Decisions I Have Made, Part 2 – Reflects on the author’s personal experiences with volunteering, discussing the challenges and rewards of finding the right fit.

To read more on this series, check out part 4 here.