The healing power of volunteering later in life

One of the fastest growing problems among seniors is social isolation — but there’s a solution that offers a win-win. Research consistently shows that volunteering improves well-being for both the giver and receiver. Among nonprofit organizations, there’s a growing need for volunteers to support a wide range of worthwhile causes. Perhaps you think that you have nothing to offer — but think again. From a lifetime of experiences, you’re likely to have more knowledge and skills than you imagine.

Make a difference

You’re never too old to make a difference. You may feel that you don’t have the energy to volunteer. Chronic pain might be keeping you from making the effort to go out and about. Perhaps you feel that you’ve done enough and it’s time that someone helped you. Don’t let your talent and experiences go to waste. There are many ways to make a difference, from leading a campaign to save our trees to starting a “smile a day” to brighten someone’s life. To the extent that you’re able, make yourself useful and you’ll be amazed at how much you get back. If you’re fortunate to be able to attend meetings and contribute your time to a cause for which you feel passionate, get started with these tips.

1. Make a list identifying what you have to offer. Ask yourself:

-What skills and knowledge did I need in my work or life situation?

-What would I really like to help change?

2. Think about where these gifts might best be used and what you would most enjoy. Consider:

-Working with a service organization, such as the Lions Club, church groups, animal welfare, and so on.

-Being involved in the arts, whether in schools, theatres, or cultural centers.

-Promoting academics including offering tutoring in literacy or mathematics.

-Addressing social needs, for example breakfast programs, Meals on Wheels, or shelters

-Supporting newcomers torn from their homes and culture, which could include language support, shopping excursions, or organizing a cooking group.

One of the most rewarding experiences I have had was when, shortly after the untimely death of my husband, I learned about a local drop-in center for psychiatric survivors and their families and friends. It was looking for volunteers so I signed on. I was struggling with serious health issues as well as grief, but I felt I could make a small contribution — perhaps play piano or serve tea. When I saw the sad, leftover baked goods that were donated, I decided that once a week I’d provide freshly baked treats. Initially I made the treats at home and brought them to the center. From making muffins and cookies, my involvement grew into preparing a full meal once a week for 35-50 people. I can’t describe the healing effects that their gratitude and courage had on me.

I couldn’t manage preparing the meal by myself, but soon had more than enough volunteers from among those coming to the center. This provided an opportunity to offer informal cooking lessons, tips for meal planning, and shopping on a budget. I shared my knowledge of diabetes along with other important diet practices for healthy living. The camaraderie and laughter were indicators of the benefits to the cooks. A moment that brought home to me the difference my volunteering was doing came one morning as a woman exclaimed, “It’s so great to have something worthwhile to do when we come here.”

Volunteering and healing

Although most of the studies on volunteerism focus on mental and emotional health, it has shown to have a positive effect on physical health as well. One study, for example, revealed that those who volunteer spent 40 percent less time in hospital than those who didn’t. I found that when I was busy with a project such as preparing a meal, I didn’t think about my own ailments. And seeing the challenges my new friends faced I was grateful for all that I had. Neuroscience studies show that volunteering contributes to the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain, resulting in lower rates of depression and anxiety. By reducing the damage caused by stress, volunteering can have a positive effect on all the systems of the physical body. In other words: when we feel good our bodies function well. What’s more, the Mayo clinic reports that by spending time in the service of others, volunteers have a sense of meaning and appreciation, both for giving and receiving.

Finding the right volunteer opportunities

As a volunteer, you can either become involved in something about which you feel passionate or find an interest that requires a new set of skills. To get the full benefit of volunteering, find something you enjoy with people whose company you find stimulating.

These are some practicalities to consider when you become a volunteer:

-How much time are you prepared to give?

-Will you need transportation?

-Are you most comfortable working as part of a team or alone?

-What’s your preference: working with adults, children, animals?

-Are you looking for something you can do from home or would you prefer getting out among others?

Also consider what you hope to accomplish as a volunteer:

-Giving back to your neighborhood or community?

-Meeting new people and exploring different ways of life?

-Trying something new?

-Getting out of a rut and using spare time productively?

-Expanding your interests and hobbies?

Volunteering invites you into a deeper kind of living — one grounded in purpose, connection, and heart. Volunteering isn’t just an act of service; it’s an affirmation that you’re still growing, still contributing, still alive in the fullest sense.

Note: The author of this article, Dr. Susanne T. Eden (now 87 years old), shares her personal story of healing and personal transformation in her book, Healing from the Inside: Living Fully as You Age (Sept. 13, 2025), inspiring others to approach the gift of aging with optimism and purpose. Learn more at www.susanneeden.com