Developing a sense of purpose, giving back to your community, and meeting like-minded people are just some of the many benefits of volunteering in your 50s, 60s, and beyond.
With such a wide range of opportunities on offer, the most difficult part of getting started can be identifying what it is you want to do!
To give you a few ideas, we’ve come up with a handy list of some of the most popular volunteering opportunities out there. And if you’re ready to find a role you’re passionate about, you can browse volunteering opportunities below.
1. Volunteering with children
If you want to help educate and inspire future generations, you might be interested in volunteering with children.
Sadly, there are many babies and children across the world whose health, education, and/or general wellbeing is suffering. But, by sparing just a few hours a week, you could help to transform their lives and futures.
2. Volunteering with the elderly
We live in a society that’s rapidly ageing. In fact, the number of people in the UK over the age of 50 has increased by 47% in the last 40 years.
This means that over time more volunteers will be needed to help care for elderly people (whether at home or in a care facility), provide lifts, companionship, or just a chat.
If you’d like to make a difference to an elderly person’s life, why not check out what opportunities are available?
3. Volunteering with animals
Are you a lover of all creatures great and small? Or perhaps you’re just mad about dogs or cats? If so, volunteering with animals can be a hugely rewarding way to make your free time count.
By choosing to volunteer with animals, you can enjoy the perks of spending time with them – including lots of cuddles and regular walks – without having to worry about committing to a pet long-term.
Visit our animal volunteering page below to find out how you can help give animals the life that they deserve.
4. Volunteering outdoors
With climate change and global warming, it’s becoming increasingly important that we take steps to look after the green spaces we have left and facilitate the growth of new plant life.
If this sounds like a mission you’d like to get involved with, conservation volunteering may be a great option for you. Not only will you get to spend time outdoors interacting with nature, but you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping to make the most of our planet and preserve it for future generations.
5. Volunteering abroad
Fancy volunteering somewhere other than the UK? Lots of charities and organisations host volunteer trips abroad for older adults – from sports coaching in Kenya to conservation work in South Africa.
So, if you’re looking to contribute to a good cause whilst exploring the world, volunteering abroad could offer you the perfect combination.
6. Cultural volunteering
Do you have a niche area of interest in history or culture? If so, volunteering at an art gallery, library, museum, or botanical garden could allow you to explore it further.
Whether it’s abstract art, Ancient Egypt, or the Victorians that you’re keen on, volunteering can be a great opportunity to continue learning and share your passion with others.
7. Volunteering at an event
If you’d prefer to take part in a one-off activity rather than make a regular commitment, you could consider signing up to help out at local or national events.
Not only will you reap the sense of reward that comes from giving something back to your community, but you’ll also get to have a day out and see some of the events for free! Who knows, your one-off volunteering experience might lead to something a little more long-term…
8. Volunteering as an advocate
Would you like to help disadvantaged or marginalised members of society find their voice? By becoming a volunteer advocate, you’d represent the interests of vulnerable people who can’t speak up for themselves.
You’ll usually do this by helping them understand their rights, directing them to the correct authorities, and offering emotional support.
9. Charity shop volunteering
Charity shops couldn’t get by without donations and support from volunteers. The charity shop stock room is a fantastical place which is full of unwanted treasures waiting to be rehomed. And there’s plenty of sorting, cleaning, and pricing that needs to take place before it can all hit the shelves.
If you’d like to get involved and help raise money for a good cause, charity shop volunteering could be for you.
10. Office support volunteering
Charities recruit office support volunteers to help with the smooth running of the organisation. They’re often described as the glue that holds a charity together.
The majority of charities can’t afford to employ staff in office roles, so they rely on volunteers who generously give their spare time.
11. Volunteer as a driver
Want to buckle up and help make someone’s life that little bit easier? There are plenty of people who – due to age or disability – can’t get around by themselves, which restricts their freedom and independence.
This means that they might not be able to do the ‘normal’ things that many of us take for granted like going shopping or attending hospital appointments and social events.
When this happens, people tend to become increasingly isolated and end up going without the things they need. By giving just a couple of hours each week to help someone get where they need to go, you could improve their quality of life immensely.
Final thoughts...
While you don’t get paid as a volunteer, the rewards can be huge. People who volunteer in their 50s, 60s, and beyond often report gaining a huge sense of achievement, building confidence, and making new friends.
There’s also no need to worry about commuting costs as most charities and organisations will cover all or part of your voluntary expenses – which may even include lunch!
The commitment level of each voluntary role will vary, so it’ll be up to you to choose something that fits around your life. You might want to volunteer for a few hours a month in your local area, or you may jump at the chance to visit another country for a few weeks to help out with building or conservation projects.
Volunteering has the potential to add plenty of value to your life while making a real difference to the lives of others – so why not give it a go?
For more information and to browse voluntary roles, head over to the volunteering section of our website.
Have you recently started volunteering? Would you recommend it to others? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!