Giving Back in Retirement: New Strategies for a New Phase

After dedicating years of your life to your career, you might be wondering what to do in retirement. At the same time, your financial situation has likely changed now that you’re retired. Considering these changes, you might be interested in exploring other ways to give back that don't necessarily require monetary contributions. These alternative giving strategies and volunteer opportunities can add an enriching aspect to your retirement planning, offering a fulfilling way to stay active, engaged, and connected to the communities and causes you care about.

The Need to Find New Ways to Give

Retirement often brings a shift in financial circumstances. You’re likely transitioning from a steady income to living on savings, investments, and fixed benefits. This change can impact your ability to participate in charitable giving at the same level you once did. However, this shift doesn't mean you can't continue to make a difference. In fact, retirement can open up new and exciting possibilities for giving back that go beyond financial forms of charitable giving.

Moreover, exploring new ways to give can lead to unexpected personal growth. You might discover hidden talents, develop new skills, or find passion in areas you never considered before.

Volunteering and Mentoring: Meaningful Alternatives to Charitable Giving

One of the most rewarding aspects of retirement is that you get to decide what to do with your time in retirement. You have newfound optionality and opportunities to share your time, skills, and experiences with others. Mentoring and volunteer opportunities offer an excellent way to give back to your community without the need to dip into your pockets the same way you would for traditional charitable giving.

Finding the Right Volunteer Opportunities

Finding the perfect volunteer opportunity is often a personal journey. The key is to align your passions, skills, and availability with causes that resonate with you. Whether you're drawn to hands-on community work or prefer behind-the-scenes support, there's a volunteer opportunity suited to your unique strengths and interests.

To find the right fit, consider incorporating the following steps into your retirement planning journey.

1. Identify Your Passions
As you try to decide what to do in retirement, think about the causes or issues that matter most to you. Are you passionate about education, healthcare, environmental conservation, or helping the less fortunate? Identifying your interests can help narrow down potential volunteer opportunities.

2. Determine Your Best Attributes
Consider your skills, experiences, and strengths. Perhaps you have excellent organizational skills that could benefit a local charity, or maybe your patience and compassion would make you an ideal mentor for youth.

3. Research Organizations
Look into local charities, nonprofits, and community organizations that you feel excited and passionate about. Many will have websites or social media profiles that advertise volunteer opportunities, share contact information, or explain ways you can get involved.

4. Assess Your Commitment
Evaluate how much time you're willing and able to commit. Some volunteer opportunities may require regular weekly shifts, while others might require occasional or even one-time assistance. Consider starting with a modest commitment and increasing your involvement over time if you find the experience rewarding.

Ideas for Giving Back in Retirement

As you consider what to do in retirement, remember that you have a unique opportunity to leverage your lifetime of experience in ways that can profoundly impact your community. The following options not only allow you to contribute meaningfully but can also help you maintain a sense of purpose and social connection.

Volunteer at or Visit a Hospital

Hospitals often welcome volunteers. You might find yourself comforting patients, assisting visitors, or helping with administrative work. Retired educators might work with long-term pediatric patients, while former executives could assist with hospital fundraising efforts. Some healthcare organizations even have specific volunteer opportunities for retired professionals.

Volunteer at a School

Schools offer diverse volunteering opportunities beyond traditional tutoring. You could help organize school events, assist in the library, or even share your professional experiences through career day presentations. Your experience and insight could make a significant difference in a child's education.

Deliver Meals

Many communities have local meal delivery services for the elderly. They often welcome delivery drivers, kitchen helpers, and meal planners. Your involvement could extend to helping create nutritious meal plans, organizing food drives, or coordinating with local restaurants for donations.

Become a Docent or Mentor

Museums, historical sites, and community centers often look for docents to lead tours or provide information to visitors. Alternatively, you could mentor young professionals or students, sharing your career experiences and life lessons.

Donate Your Hobbies or Crafts

If you enjoy crafting, consider donating handmade items to hospitals, nursing homes, or charitable organizations. Knitted blankets, handcrafted toys, or artwork can bring comfort and joy to those in need. You could also collaborate with local artisans or craft guilds to create items for charity auctions or community beautification projects.

Work with Animals

Animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centers frequently need volunteers to help care for animals, assist with adoptions, or maintain facilities. Some organizations need volunteers to foster animals in their homes, providing a temporary loving environment for pets awaiting adoption. This can be a great option for animal lovers.

Find Communities or Organizations You Believe In and Get Involved

Look for local groups or national organizations aligned with your values and interests. Whether it's a community garden, a literacy program, or a political campaign, your involvement can make a real difference. You might even consider starting a community group yourself, perhaps focused on an issue you're passionate about.

Integrate Giving into Your Retirement

As you look ahead in your retirement planning journey, consider how this new chapter might lead to new avenues of generosity and enable you to create a lasting legacy. By integrating volunteer opportunities — the giving of your time, not just your money — into your retirement vision, you can live a fulfilling lifestyle that benefits both you and your community.

Contact the office today if you’d like to discuss your retirement plans and charitable giving strategies for this unique stage of life.