As you transition into active senior living, you may wonder how to give back to the community and stay engaged. Volunteering is a great way to stay active and put the skills gained over the years to work.
A study by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that in 2022, more than 11 million people volunteered in some way daily. If you want to find joy by being part of this number, you can explore various senior volunteer opportunities near you.
Below, we’ll discuss the places to volunteer as a senior in Naples, FL. We’ll also cover the benefits of doing so and provide tips to help you stay involved in the local community.
The Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering promotes personal growth and engagement, so you should consider it for reasons such as:
- It gives you a sense of purpose
- It helps you build social connection
- It’s great for your physical and mental health
After retiring, you may feel disconnected from your former career and typical schedule. If you previously derived fulfillment from your job, you may find it hard to adjust to having less impact. Volunteering provides a sense of purpose by helping you connect with the community.
Before moving into a senior living community, you may have been used to interacting with people of different ages. Besides, you might have lived with your loved ones and near friends, which helped you stay socially active.
Many senior living communities in Naples, FL, have engaging activities to help you stay social, but you might need a change occasionally. Volunteering allows you to interact with community members from all walks of life.
You’ll stay socially active and engage in activities that truly matter to you. Volunteering is also a great way to fight loneliness and expand your social network by making new friends.
When volunteering, you will also engage your brain in ways such as:
- Planning activities
- Making critical decisions
- Solving problems
- Engaging in stimulating conversations
Many volunteering activities involve movement, which is great for physical health. Participating allows you to meet with empathetic people and create a support system.
The community can offer help when needed, and you will feel less stressed when you do meaningful things. The interactions you will have are also great for fighting anxiety and depression.
Places to Volunteer as a Senior
As a senior, you can explore a wide range of places to volunteer based on factors such as:
- Your interests
- Availability
- Physical capabilities
Whether you love working with children, helping the less fortunate, or interacting with animals, you can always find a volunteering opportunity in Naples, FL. Here are some options to consider:
- Mentoring and tutoring
- Animal shelters
- Food banks and homeless shelters
As an older adult, you have a lifetime of experience and knowledge to offer. It could be career advice, emotional support, or academic help.
Many schools and youth centers in Florida are open to pairing you with a student who could benefit from your expertise. They may have mentoring programs where they can match you with a student struggling in school or their personal life.
Volunteering for such programs helps you shape a young person’s life. You’ll equip them with essential life skills they wouldn’t gain in a classroom.
If you are passionate about a subject, you can tutor students to help them excel in class. In the process, you will also benefit from challenging your mind to stay sharp.
Helping at local homeless shelters is an impactful way to give back to people struggling with finances. You can help in ways such as:
- Serving meals
- Organizing food drives
- Sorting donations
When you volunteer at a food bank, you will help others collect and organize food items. You may be responsible for categorizing the items or checking the quality of donated food. Additionally, you could assist with packaging the items and ensuring the food helps as many people as possible.
Many rescues in Naples, FL, rely on volunteers to walk or socialize their pets. They also often need help planning adoption and fundraising events. If you’re an animal lover, you should consider volunteering at an animal shelter.
How to Get Involved in Senior Volunteering Opportunities
After learning about the benefits of volunteering and the available opportunities, you may wonder where to begin. Here are the steps to follow for maximum volunteering impact:
- Research local communities
- Use online resources to find a suitable opportunity
- Join an assisted or independent living community in Naples, FL
Naples has a vibrant network of organizations that may be looking for helping hands. Such may include:
- Schools
- Nonprofits
- Community centers
Most senior housing providers in Naples have established partnerships with local charities and offer volunteer programs that align with residents’ interests. When in such a community, you can ask the staff to connect you with such organizations.
Sometimes, you may want to volunteer but find it hard to pick a suitable opportunity. Using online platforms like VolunteerMatch or Senior Corps will help you find ideal activities. You can easily filter projects based on your preferences and availability.
You may also discover opportunities that allow you to be impactful without leaving your community. Virtual projects will be perfect if you are in assisted senior living or can’t find a local opportunity that resonates with you.
Many senior housing providers encourage community engagement for seniors. They offer opportunities that align with every resident’s interests and abilities.
When you live in a senior community, you can access a structured volunteering program. You will give back to the Naples, FL, community and interact with other people who are passionate about giving back. Joining a local community is also a perfect way to explore the city and find new hobbies while being impactful.
Join a Senior Living Community That Cares About Volunteering
Volunteering allows you to stay active and gives you a greater sense of purpose. There are many places to volunteer as a senior, and you can explore different options in a vibrant community.
At Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh, we help our residents stay engaged through community involvement. We foster an active senior lifestyle through our broad volunteering programs.
We can help you connect with society and give back in a manner that matters to you. Contact us now to join our community.
