Retirement News : Seniors : Retirement boring? Volunteer

Retirement boring? Volunteer

Date Added: 16-06-2005

Many of us moved to Florida just to retire. We've worked hard, and now we can sit back, go to the beach, play golf, or just do what we want. But many of us become somewhat bored after a year or so. We ask ourselves, are we truly satisfied? If that question is on some people's minds, consider what they might do to improve their satisfaction in the latter years of a good life.

One possibility is to volunteer for social involvement, as well as making a satisfying contribution to one's community. This can involve meeting new people, learning new skills or helping change one's life for the better. All good things, to be sure, and several studies also suggest that seniors who volunteer regularly live longer and have fewer medical problems.

OK, where does one start to explore what might be done to improve retirement satisfaction?

First, contact Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs of Volunteer Connections, one of the nation's largest volunteer programs. RSVP offers people 55 and over diverse opportunities: organizing neighborhood-watch programs, tutoring children, renovating homes, teaching English to immigrants, assisting victims of natural disasters, and many other activities.

Another starting point would be to get involved with a homeowners association, perhaps by volunteering for work on a committee of interest. I started by doing just that, and I'm now on three Sarasota County boards, which provide a great deal of personal satisfaction.

Bottom line: Those who are satisfied with their retirement are fortunate and should stick with their daily routine. However, those who need improvement might want to give volunteerism a try.

For More Information:

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050615/OPINION/506150479/1029