Today's Women of Age

When I was younger and working full time and raising two daughters it seemed like there were not enough hours in the day to get everything done. But somehow my husband and I made it work. Every day. Lunches were made, kids ferried to school, jobs done, kids picked up, dinner made, homework done, baths taken, laundry thrown in the washing machine, kids finally put to bed. It was exhausting, but had many lovely moments.

Now retired (or at least semi-retired) and an empty nester, I have the same 24 hours each day but they stretch out before me to fill as I choose. It is both wonderful and daunting!

As I think about how to spend my days, I was reflecting that many folks think of this season of life as “me time”–devoted to doing all those things they wanted to but never had the time for before–travel, hobbies, sports, gardening, more dining out, etc. And there is certainly nothing wrong with that. In fact that can be quite fulfilling. I have several friends who undertake amazing yearly travel adventures. (And yes, I am a tad envious!)

But I also think it’s the perfect time to “be a helper” (in the words of Fred Rogers). I think it’s a wonderful gift seniors (or anyone) can do for the world. So many organizations and non-profits rely heavily on volunteers to keep them ticking over and we are spoiled for choice–food banks, schools, thrift stores, nature preserves, libraries, pet shelters, museums, mentoring programs, theaters, nursing homes, etc. And many offer a variety of “jobs” that can suit both our unique skills and experiences as well as our introvert or extrovert nature.

Of course, not every opportunity will be a good fit and you may need to experiment and try out several. Case in point, several years ago I volunteered at a local soup kitchen. It was my first day and I was given the task of helping two paid staff members in the kitchen chopping vegetables and such. Which would have been fine except the staff were decidedly frosty towards me, rarely spoke in the two to three hours I was in the kitchen and seemed to resent having me underfoot! I wasn’t looking for new BFs, but it was very strange and off putting. I never volunteered there again.

I did find other opportunities that were a better match, including collecting food every week during the pandemic to bring to a nearby food pantry. I did this for 18 months rain or shine and greatly appreciated the opportunity to help our community in such a tangible way during that trying time.

If you aren’t ready commit to an official position, you could seek out your own ways to help. Perhaps an elderly neighbor needs rides occasionally or help with yard work. Or pick up trash in your neighborhood (or at a local park) which is what one wonderful man in ours did for years.

Granted on a macro level, our volunteer efforts won’t make a dent in the world’s big problems, but on a micro level they could make all the difference in someone’s life…including our own! Being a volunteer can provide fun social opportunities as well as reduce our stress and give us a renewed sense of purpose. Volunteering is a win/win situation.