Volunteering in retirement

Swapping work for volunteering

Volunteering rates across the country are on the rise, with many people benefitting from engaging with their community. Volunteering Australia estimates that 36% of the population had volunteered in the previous year.¹

Volunteering is especially beneficial in retirement, so you can keep active, try something new and meet new people.

It can also become an important part of your life after work, by feeling a sense of achievement and giving back to the community. It also helps to maintain a strong connection with the world around you, so you can stay socially active and mentally stimulated in retirement.

The benefits of volunteering

Whether taking on craft projects or delivering meals to people in need, volunteering can:

• Provide a sense of purpose
• Help to build connections with others
• Boost your emotional wellbeing
• Learning new skills and knowledge

Many people volunteer to share skills they’ve developed over their careers. Guiding tours at historical sites, museums, or helping at local schools are great ways to give back to the community – and keep your brain busy.

You can also volunteer with something more physical – like helping with bush regeneration or getting involved with a nearby community garden. This has the added bonus of cardiovascular activity to improve your health and fitness.

How to get involved

Volunteering locally can be a great way to start. If you have an organisation in mind, it’s easier to contact them directly. Or you can look out for opportunities being shared on bulletin boards at libraries, community centres or your local supermarket.

These websites can also help you get started:

• SEEK Volunteer
• Volunteering Australia
• GoVolunteer

There’s a broad range of listings so you can browse and explore your options and find the option that suits your interests.

Before you dive in, you may want to think about:

• How much time you can offer
• How far you can travel – local / interstate / overseas
• What kind of work you want to do with your skills and interests

Planning for the future

Volunteering can ease the switch from work to retirement. As you get your retirement finances in order, it can be a good idea to start thinking about what opportunities you might want to explore.

Volunteering is a positive way to maintain your health and wellbeing, connect with others and maintain your sense of purpose.