Volunteering: Your next great retirement adventure
Retirement is often thought of as a time to relax, but it’s also a time to explore new paths and reconnect with passions you may have put on hold.
For many retirees, volunteering has become one of the most meaningful and fulfilling ways to make a difference, connect with others, and stay active. Who says life slows down in retirement? Volunteering offers
Let's look at why volunteering might be the adventure you didn’t know you were looking for.
Energize your body and mind
Retirement can sometimes make staying active feel like a challenge, but volunteering is a wonderful way to keep moving physically and mentally. Many volunteer roles, whether organizing events, working in community gardens, or mentoring young people, offer physical and mental engagement.
Research even suggests that retirees who volunteer enjoy better health, improved mental sharpness, and lower rates of depression and anxiety. Plus, learning new skills or engaging in work that excites you keeps your brain agile and your spirits high.
Connect with new friends
Retirement is a big transition. Without the usual daily interactions they get at work, many retirees can feel a bit isolated. Volunteering is a great way to meet others who are also passionate about making a difference.
These connections can often turn into lasting friendships. You might find yourself sharing laughs with new friends at a park cleanup or exchanging stories while serving at a local community kitchen. While that camaraderie might seem reward enough, studies have shown that people with strong social ties
Volunteering offers unexpected perks that can become a highlight of your retirement years.
Discover a renewed sense of purpose
Purpose doesn’t retire when you do. Many of us find a sense of purpose in our work, and once we stop working, it can be a challenge to find that same fulfillment. Volunteering gives us a chance to make a real impact, feel needed, and get involved in causes we care about. You might want to help at a local charity, mentor, or participate in environmental projects. Whatever it is, the joy that comes from giving back is hard to beat.
Keep learning and growing
Volunteering opens doors to learning opportunities, often in areas you might not have explored before. Many retirees take on volunteer roles far different from their past careers. Have you always loved animals? Volunteering at a shelter could be a dream come true. Passionate about books? Helping out at the local library might be perfect. The options are endless, and you’ll likely uncover new talents or rediscover old ones along the way.
Enjoy fun and flexibility
In retirement, you finally get to do what you love—on your own schedule. Volunteering fits right in with this lifestyle. Unlike a job, you decide how much time to commit, whether it’s weekly or just a few hours a month. You’ll often find yourself having fun, laughing with fellow volunteers, and creating memories you’ll treasure for years. Volunteering isn’t just meaningful; it’s also incredibly enjoyable.
Ready to get started?
If this sounds like an adventure you’d enjoy, a good way to start is by exploring volunteer opportunities at local community centers, hospitals, animal shelters, or libraries. There are also online volunteer matching sites that connect you with opportunities that match your skills and interests.
While volunteering doesn’t come with a paycheck, the rewards—new friends, better health, personal growth, and a renewed sense of purpose—are priceless. So, give it a try. After all, retirement isn’t the end; it’s a new beginning full of possibilities.
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This material is for informational or educational purposes only and is not fiduciary investment advice, or a securities, investment strategy, or insurance product recommendation. This material does not consider an individual’s own objectives or circumstances which should be the basis of any investment decision.
Investment products may be subject to market and other risk factors. See the applicable product literature or visit TIAA.org for details.
Retirement check refers to the annuity income received in retirement. Guarantees of fixed monthly payments are only associated with TIAA's fixed annuities.
Investment decisions should be made based on the investor's own objectives and circumstances. Advice is obtained using an advice methodology from an independent third-party.
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