Many organizations are looking for senior volunteers.
Volunteering can be a fulfilling and enjoyable activity for people of any age. For the elderly in particular, volunteering can help keep body and mind active after retirement, while providing an opportunity to get out of the house and socialize with others. There are a host of volunteering opportunities available for senior citizens to share their experience and skills with others.
Foster Grandparent Program
One volunteering idea for the elderly is to become a foster grandparent. Open to anybody over the age of 55, the Foster Grandparent Program a nationwide initiative where you can mentor and support local children. Your duties could include anything from helping a child learn to read to providing advice and guidance. Volunteers can donate up to 40 hours per week and could be based at a local school, youth facility or Head Start center. Foster grandparents receive pre-service training and accidental and liability insurance for when they are on duty. Some may also be entitled to a tax-free hourly stipend. The Corporation for National and Community Service has all the details.
Experience Corps
Experience Corps is an elderly volunteering program established in 22 cities across the country. As of 2010, Experience Corps members work in 170 schools, tutoring and mentoring teachers and high-need students in areas like literacy and behavior. Independent research has demonstrated the success of the Experience Corps program, with 60 percent gains in literacy skills and decreased classroom referrals for bad behavior, without burdening the teacher's workload. Experience Corps welcomes anyone over the age of 55 who can guarantee reliable and consistent support for its teachers and students. You can contact Experience Corps for details about a program near you.
National Park Service
The U.S. National Park Service is another idea for an elderly volunteering opportunity. Established in 1916, the National Park Service protects and preserves almost 400 locations across the country for an annual 275 million visitors as of 2010. Volunteers-In-Parks, or VIPs, work alongside National Park employees performing a wide range of tasks, from working on information desks to giving guided nature walks. Anybody can apply to become a National Park VIP but some opportunities may require a medical or a security check. A volunteer uniform is provided if needed, as if liability insurance and some out-of-pocket expenses.
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