What exactly is senior volunteer program? Senior volunteer programs are for seniors 55 years of age and above. Through this program, seniors are allowed to do volunteer works and given assignments to work on based on their capacities and limitations. Usually the organization you currently belong to—assuming you already did—will match you to other programs or projects that are directly in line of your expertise. These organizations also provide proper training and guidance for new members while old timers are given high regards and recognition by their fellow volunteers. And because this is a volunteer work, seniors are not forced to work although they are highly encouraged to finish their assignments once they are given. Assignments are determined according to their availability, interest, and expertise.
Some of the most common assignments in senior volunteer programs are seniors helping children with special needs, seniors helping other seniors and seniors doing community service such as dental missions and feeding programs. Again, assignments are matched depending on the volunteer senior’s capacity.
These programs are made and specifically designed for all seniors. Organizers firmly believe that seniors can contribute immensely to the society and help build a strong foundation for generations to come. Senior volunteers are usually assigned to lend a helping hand to nonprofit agencies, governmental projects and health care missions especially if they can contribute to the vision of the project itself. These programs include tutorial sessions to children and adults alike; they can also be of assistance to nursing homes and deliver meals for disabled, homebound fellow seniors in the area. Surely, there is a place for everyone in a senior volunteer program.
Of course, volunteer works are not without benefits to participants. By a joining program like this, seniors are given the opportunity to continue rendering their services to others that need help. They are able to use their expertise and partake in activities that will uplift their self-esteem and self-worth. Seniors don’t need to bore themselves by staying home most of the time since volunteer work will provide you the opportunity of doing something everyday. Seniors participating in such activities are duly recognized and valued around his or her community.
Sometimes, when age sets in, self doubts regarding our own personal capabilities come with it and we often forego our past achievements to settle as “just another older adult” with no intentions of getting in someone’s way or slow down someone else’s life. What we don’t know is that we can still make a difference and our years of accumulated knowledge and expertise are needed by generations to come, locally and globally. This is a great way to contribute and give something back to our society while staying fit and active. If you enjoy traveling, you can check out Peace Corps as they are looking for seniors 50 years and above. Some of the volunteer works included are: teaching English to non-English speaking children across the globe, disease awareness campaigns and environmental conservation issues.
