After years of working, you’ve been looking forward to a time when you could just relax and do whatever you fancy. But like many other people experience, you might well begin to feel that something’s missing from your life. Without work there’s a gap that needs to be filled.

It’s not natural for us to have nothing to do, consequently, you may be feeling a bit isolated, or simply become bored, particularly if you have an active mind.

This is just the time when we should embrace the physical and psychological benefits of staying active. We can tap into these health benefits by finding something to do that gives us purpose, which brings us to the many advantages of volunteering after you retire. 

Ways to volunteer

You could offer your services as a volunteer by helping older people who are housebound and who find it difficult to get out – to the shops, to the doctor or to hospital – and may not have seen another person for days on end.

As a volunteer, you can make a real difference by just providing an hour or two’s support in the form of a bit of companionship for someone who’s recovering from an illness, a helpful lift where there’s no public transport, helping out at a vaccination site or a chemist, or just walking someone’s dog.

There may also be volunteering opportunities available for you within a support group that helps people living with dementia, perhaps simply by chatting with them and helping them feel comfortable. Just getting out and about in your community and interacting with new people can actually change your life – and potentially the wellbeing of others too. 

Benefits of volunteering after you retire

1. Using old skills

If you developed particular skills in your working life, there may well be opportunities at your local library, hospital, surgery, or school to put your talents to much-appreciated practical use.

2. Help your local community

By freely volunteering your time and expertise, you could help the local community and make a positive difference in people’s lives. And of course, volunteering offers you the chance to make new friends. 

Perhaps you could join your local good neighbour scheme if there is one in your area. You could offer to cook the occasional meal for someone with disabilities or who lives alone, do a spot of light gardening, or help out at your local library.

3. Learning new skills

On the other hand, you could volunteer to help with some area of activity that you’ve always wanted to become involved in and learn something new. And of course, local charities are always ready to welcome volunteers.

However you view volunteering – as mental and physical stimulation, a socially engaging activity, or as a way of giving something back to the community – you can probably find an area that interests and suits you. Just do a little research and go for it.