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The number one secret of happy retirees

Retire couple laughing

More time for friends and family? Less hustle and more hobbies? Looking after your wellbeing, instead of work taking precedence? It’s true, all the selling points of retirement make a difference to how you feel about life. But there’s one thing that rarely comes up as a game changer, and it’s something the happiest Australians aged 60 and over do regularly: volunteer. In fact, recent research found volunteering had a bigger impact than owning a home or being partnered.1 Volunteers in the same research were also far more likely to say they had a strong sense of purpose (86%, compared with 68% of non-volunteers). 

A recent survey of more than 5,000 older Australians by National Seniors Australia backs this up. It found that stepping back from work removes a regular source of connection from everyday life – and that staying involved in things like volunteering is one of the most effective ways to fill that gap.2 So how do you find what works for you, and how do you get started? 

Is volunteering for you? 

The good news is that you don’t need special skills, and it needn’t be a big commitment. Flexible, one-off and short-term roles are common (although a recurring commitment tends to offer more in the way of regular connection). And you don’t need to have retired to start – beginning before you finish work means you carry a ready-made routine, sense of purpose and social network with you into retirement, softening the ‘what now?’ adjustment that catches a lot of new retirees off guard. 

Finding purpose through volunteering: Lynn’s story


Over the past three years, [Aware Super’s very own] Lynn Baker has volunteered with Dress for Success, a charity that supports women on their journey towards economic independence by providing career support, interview preparation and professional outfits.  

"I'd always had an interest in volunteering and reached a stage in life where I had a bit more time on my hands,” Lynn explains. “After hearing about a friend's volunteering experiences, I started exploring opportunities that aligned with my own interests and values.”

Lynn's volunteer role combines two things she enjoys: fashion and mentoring. Several times each month, she spends Saturday mornings working one-on-one with women preparing for job interviews. Together, they discuss the type of role they're applying for and select outfits that help them feel comfortable, professional and confident. 

"It's almost like going shopping with a friend," Lynn says. "But you're helping someone feel supported and confident as they take that next step” 

One of the biggest surprises for Lynn has been how much she gets back from volunteering herself. 

"I walk away feeling energised. The gratitude people show after a styling session is incredible. They leave feeling supported, empowered and more confident, and that's a wonderful feeling."  

Lynn is still working, but she has an eye on the future – and she can now see how volunteering is a valuable way to maintain social connections, develop new networks and enjoy a continued sense of purpose in retirement.  

"Volunteering gives me the opportunity to support women in a practical way, using skills and interests I already have. I always leave feeling like I've gained as much as I've given." 

Learn more about the great work Lynn supports through dressforsuccess.org

So how do you start?

Step 1: Work out what suits you

Think about the time and energy you can realistically give, your mobility and access needs (if you’re looking at volunteering later in your retirement journey), and what’s available in your area. Think broadly about what counts – small, local or informal roles matter too. Don’t underestimate what you have to offer, whether that’s decades of work experience, a particular skill, or simply time and enthusiasm. 

Step 2: Work out what suits you

Start with a cause or community you care about, then search: 

  • NSW Volunteering (makeadifference.volunteering.nsw.gov.au) 
  • GoVolunteer (govolunteer.com.au) 
  • SEEK Volunteer (volunteer.com.au) 
  • The Centre for Volunteering (volunteering.com.au) 

Step 3: Make the approach

Read the role description, then apply through the database. If nothing quite fits, or you already have an organisation in mind, check their website for a sign-up page, or simply email them with your availability and interest. Some roles come with the usual checks (a police check or Working with Children Check, for example), so it pays to ask up front. If you’re not sure it’s the right fit, start with a one-off or short-term role to test the waters before committing to something ongoing. 

Step 4: Get the most out of it

Lean into the social side of it. The team culture that builds up around volunteering – the shared purpose, the shared cuppa – is often where the real benefit, and the friendships, come from. 

Whatever cause you choose, taking that first step could be the start of one of the most rewarding chapters of your retirement. 

Where to next?

How SASS deferred members can get the most out of My Retirement Planner > 

How much will you need to cover the cost of living in retirement? >  

Changes to super caps and how to make contributions tax effective > 

AI and retirement calculators: what SASS members need to know > 

Ask an expert > 

Market review and outlook > 

Back to Edition 25 > 

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1 Challenger Retirement Happiness Index 2026

2 National Seniors Australia, Social connectedness and isolation among older Australians, 2025

General advice only. Consider your objectives, financial situation or needs, which have not been accounted for in this information and read the relevant PDS and TMD before deciding to acquire, or continue to hold, any financial product. Advice provided by Aware Financial Services Australia Limited (ABN 86 003 742 756, AFSL 238430), wholly owned by Aware Super. You should read the Financial Services Guide, before deciding about our financial planning services. Issued by Aware Super Pty Ltd (ABN 11 118 202 672, AFSL 293340), trustee of Aware Super (ABN 53 226 460 365)