by Pamela Kay

Created on: October 02, 2007

The elderly are contributing in more diverse ways today than in the past. While age was once a good indicator of when a person should retire, it no longer is. The elderly are staying mobile and retaining use of their mental faculties longer than ever before. Into their seventies and eighties, they are still driving and going about their lives as they always have. Many see retirement as a chance to try their wings at something they have always wanted to do and are starting new careers by drawing on the lessons learned in life. Against all odds, they are succeeding.

Retirement no longer means the rocking chair is waiting; it has taken on a completely new meaning. The elderly have worked all of their lives and to suddenly stop is unthinkable to them. For some of them retirement is something in the far off future.

However, for those who do welcome retirement and are still energetic and able to care for themselves, there are many jobs to be filled just waiting for them. Volunteer work is a chance to give back some of what they have gained in their life: knowledge.

Hospitals are always in need of persons with caring, compassionate and understanding ways. Often, it is our older citizens who have had the most experience with grief, illness and loss of loved ones. Because of this, they instinctively know what to say and do to offer comfort to others. If a person has no small children in their family any longer then perhaps rocking babies in the nursery will help both them and the babies.

Volunteering in a school is a wonderful way to contribute to the community. There are many ways to help our youth such as reading and helping out on class trips. The eagerness of young children to learn and experience the world makes for a happy work environment. Even substituting for one or two days a week will be giving to the community. After school time, is often a hard time for latch key kids. Spending some time mentoring or teaching them can help all involved. Help with a Scout troop, or a school club.

What church ever had enough volunteers? Sunday school teachers, choir leaders and music teachers are always welcomed. What ever you are good at is the place to volunteer. Most churches have many programs for members and need volunteers to supervise them.

Day care facilities can always use help for supervising play, feeding and for story reading. Ratios of caregivers to children are set by the state and budgets seldom include extra hands. However, free helping hands could be a blessing

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