Looking For Purpose In Retirement? Try Volunteering
Updated: Mar 6, 2025
Written by: Jennifer Rovet, CPRC, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Your retirement day has arrived. Your job and career demands are gone, and you now have all this free time to do whatever you want. But what happens when you don’t know what to do, and you find yourself at a loss?
People are living healthier and longer lives, and as a result, their retirement years can be very long as well. Without a plan and a lack of daily structure, many retirees struggle to fill their days, stay connected, and find purpose in their lives.
Volunteering can offer the perfect solution
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the definition of a volunteer is, “A person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task.” The keywords in this definition are “freely offers”. There is something special about people selflessly offering to assist, help, or mentor others on their own time and own free will. Research has shown that volunteering has many benefits. Here are just a few:
Increased longevity. People who volunteer live longer. But only if they are doing something that is meaningful to them, and their intention is to truly help others.
Improved health. Health benefits include better sleep, improved physical well-being, and less likelihood of developing illnesses.
Mental sharpness.
Prevent isolation, boost self-esteem, improve cognitive resilience, and stave off depression.
Create lasting friendships and connections.
A Renewed sense of purpose.
Happiness!
Leave a legacy.
There are numerous ways to volunteer your time and many resources to help you find one that is right for you. Just google, “volunteer in retirement” and over 72 million search results pop up. The possibilities are endless.
When considering your own volunteering path, think about what you enjoy, what causes or charities are close to your heart, and what tasks you are best suited for. If you are not sure where to start, try speaking with friends and family or seek assistance from a retirement coach.
“As a volunteer, there is a lot of joy to be derived from helping others who are not as fortunate.” – David E. (Volunteer for over 20 years)
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Jennifer Rovet, CPRC, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Jennifer Rovet is a Certified Professional Retirement Coach and owner of Retire Ready Canada. She started her coaching business in 2019 when she saw a need to help people as they started to plan and transition into retirement. While retirement can be an exciting time, people choose to work with a Retirement Coach when they are struggling, maybe feeling overwhelmed and not sure what to do once they leave the traditional 9-5 working world. Jennifer is passionate about helping people find purpose, meaning, and happiness in their retirement years. She empowers her clients to find ways to keep active and connected in this next stage of life.
