Though many people characterize volunteer work as a way to give back to their community, research shows volunteering actually gives seniors vitality and a positive outlook in their last decades of life. Adjusting to retirement and a general downshift in responsibility and connection to others can be unexpectedly stressful. Volunteering provides multiple benefits to seniors as well as to the organizations they serve.

To begin with, volunteer work enables seniors to develop new skills, distinct from those used in their primary paid work. For those not yet ready to retire, adding skills (social networking, database management, etc.) will improve chances with potential employers. For those who have retired, learning new skills contributes to mental sharpness and defends against dementia. Getting over a lifetime fear of public speaking by rallying people to an important cause, or getting fit by working with children, could lead to tremendous gains in self confidence at a time when it may otherwise start to wane.

Volunteering also provides an in-person social network for seniors. When you volunteer for an organization you believe in, you will naturally meet people with some of the same passions and priorities, people with whom you may not normally have crossed paths. A plumber and a retired engineer may end up hitting it off while walking dogs at the animal shelter. Meeting and seeing new friends on a regular basis is not only enjoyable but will add to the “safety net” of those keeping tabs on aging citizens.

The special feeling of making an impact on one’s community cannot be overstated. The developmental psychologist Erik Erikson described the years after 65 as a struggle between integrity and despair. People can achieve integrity by reflecting on their lives and accepting responsibility for them. Working in a way that is in line with one’s core values and that improves one’s community is a way to find meaning in your later years. Seniors who volunteer can come away with the experience of being able to solve problems, improve lives and strengthen organizations that will continue to do good work in the future.

Volunteering may actually improve your health. The Corporation for National and Community Research recently released a report entitled “The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research.” It states that those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability and lower rates of depression later in life than those who don’t volunteer. Other findings have added that volunteers also have lower rates of heart disease and longer life spans. A 2010 study from the journal The Gerontologist reported that seniors who volunteered regularly reported greater feelings of productivity and an overall sense that their lives had improved.

Even armed with knowledge of the benefits of volunteering, seniors may feel intimidated about contacting a large organization or lack the conviction that they have something to contribute. Volunteering along with friends and family is a good way to comfortably find an inroad into an organization. Asking around at religious or community centers is a good way to find like-minded friends to join you. Those who are physically strong may be able to contribute yard work to a nonprofit or coach youth sports. Those with technical skills may find they’re needed to help balance a budget or consult on strategic planning. Many can find a role in mentoring young people; “foster grandparents” are in demand to help children build literacy and social skills.

Area schools, hospitals and arts organizations are popular places to begin volunteering and often have training available. The following websites may be helpful in locating volunteer opportunities for seniors with an interest.

Serve.gov- An initiative by the federal government to increase volunteerism.

Nationalservice.gov- Enables volunteers to find work in their area.

Idealist.com- Clearinghouse of non-profit jobs as well as volunteer opportunities.

Volunteermatch.com- Helps find jobs that are compatible with people’s skills and interests.

Ssoci.org- Senior Services of Central Illinois has programs particularly geared to help seniors get involved with volunteering.

Contact Ann Farrar at afarrar@illinoistimes.com.