Lifestyle
The secret to a happier, healthier life after 50? Go volunteer!
If you’ve been thinking about volunteering for a while now but still haven’t put your hand up, let this be the push you need.
By Bron Maxabella
I’ve long thought that community volunteers are a special breed – kind, patient, selfless, courageous. You know, up there with nurses, teachers and bus drivers (if you live in Sydney, you get it).
But we should add something else to that list: volunteers are smart. That’s because on so many levels, volunteers lead a happier, healthier and more connected life.
“I retired after working mainly in health and academia for over 50 years,” says Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland Crisis Support volunteer, Liz.* “On retirement, I found I missed structure, intellectual stimulation and social connection. I wanted to do something meaningful and volunteering for Lifeline on the phones ticked all the boxes – it has given me a sense of purpose, connection and inspiration.”
In fact, research indicates that regular volunteering boosts happiness, improves mental and physical wellbeing, keeps your brain sharp and may even help you live longer.
Feel good while you do good
Whether you want to feel more connected to your community, stay active or do something useful to help others, giving back isn’t just good for the community – it’s great for you too! If you're looking for a way to add more purpose (and a whole lot of fun) to your days, here’s why volunteering should be part of your life.
Boost your mood and mental health
Liz has found that giving your time and energy to a cause you care about doesn’t just help others, it lifts you up too. “I feel valued, appreciated and [it’s] recognised that I have something to contribute from my life experience,” she says.
The science supports this, with studies finding that people over 50 who volunteer regularly feel happier, more fulfilled and report better overall mental health. It’s like a natural antidepressant!
Stay physically and mentally sharp
Crossword puzzles are great, but volunteering is one of the best ways to keep your brain and body active. Volunteering in later life can help lower the risk of cognitive decline and even high blood pressure.
Strengthen your support network
The OECD Better Life Index suggests that having a strong social support network is a crucial component of wellbeing. If you’re already set, that’s great, but if you’re not it can be hard to make friends as you get older.
When you volunteer, you’ll be introduced to like-minded people who share your interests and values. And because you’re working together on something meaningful, the bonds you form tend to be strong – it’s a fantastic way to combat loneliness and keep your social life thriving.
Find purpose and structure your days
Empty nests (even when the kids haven’t quite flown away yet) and retirement can leave a lot of free time to fill. While that might sound like a dream at first, many people find they miss having a sense of purpose and structure in their day.
“I find by volunteering I have reconnected with the world,” says Liz. “I meet new people, have new experiences and it takes me out of my own smaller world.”
Learn new skills (and show off old ones!)
Volunteering isn’t just about lending a hand—it’s also a chance to learn and grow.
“I’ve improved my listening skills, built compassion for those in need and widened my sense of gratitude in my own life,” confirms Liz.
Maybe you’ve always wanted to try your hand at event planning, gardening or tutoring. Or maybe you have skills from your career that could benefit a non-profit or community organisation.
Either way, volunteering can be an unexpected way to gain new experience or put your hard-earned expertise to good use. Often the skills you learn can be useful in everyday life as well.
Make a real difference
Few things are more rewarding than knowing you’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life. “It’s an amazing feeling,” says Maša, who started as a volunteer like Liz, but went on to become a paid Crisis Supporter with Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland. “Having purpose is the motivation in all our lives.”
Whether it’s helping kids with their reading, assisting people in need, or supporting conservation efforts, volunteering lets you contribute to something bigger than yourself. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love the feeling of doing something good?
A lack of confidence holding you back?
Volunteering often involves meeting new people, taking on unfamiliar tasks, or working in environments that feel different to your everyday life. While that’s one of the key benefits for many, it can feel really intimidating for others – enough that they don’t volunteer at all.
If that’s you, Maša encourages you to consider the value of your life experience in supporting others who may also be less confident and sure of themselves. “If you are a nurturing type, there are thousands of people who need your time and love,” she says. “Remember, we are all in this life together and there are no experts, just people trying to figure it out.”
A few things that might help you feel more confident:
- Do your research – Liz suggests researching online and through friends to find an opportunity that matches with your interests and past experience. “Find an organisation that inspires you, will value you, train and support you and you will flourish,” she says.
- Start with short-term volunteering opportunities – you don’t have to sign up for an ongoing volunteer shift straightaway. Some short-term or one-off options might be helping out at the primary school’s Election Day cake stall, cooking a few meals for the homeless, picking up rubbish on Clean Up Australia Day or doing a 2-week stint at a wildlife animal sanctuary. Anywhere that welcomes volunteers will be only too happy to match you with shorter-term tasks to see how you go.
- Take a friend – things are far less nerve-wracking when we do them with a mate. Ask around to see if one of yours is also keen to give their time. That said, no matter where you volunteer, you won’t be alone – instead you’ll be introduced to likeminded, friendly people from day one.
- Talk to someone – give the organisation you would like to volunteer at a call and talk to someone about your worries. They will no doubt encourage you to simply pop in to see how things work and meet other volunteers. Which seems like a good place to start...
“How do you know you are not good at something if you don't give it a try?” urges Maša. “We miss all the chances we don't take.”
Where to begin?
Australia is packed with incredible volunteer opportunities and websites like GoVolunteer and SEEK Volunteer make it easy to find available roles in your local area across all kinds of organisations. You can also check out local community centres, charities and aged care homes for ways to get involved.
Whether you want to commit to something weekly, monthly or just dip your toes in occasionally, you’re sure to find something to match your interest and enthusiasm.
When to begin?
You already know the answer to this one: right now. Pick up the phone or head to the website of your chosen organisation and find out what you need to do to take the next step. I’m certain there will be someone on the other end of your enquiry to gently hold your hand until you’re up and running.
Want to volunteer at Lifeline like Maša and Liz?
Make a meaningful impact by sharing your time and wisdom – your unique life experience is exactly what the Lifeline community needs.
* We chose to only use first names in this article for privacy.
Feature image: iStock/PeopleImages
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