After retirement, many seniors search for other ways to fill their days, provide mental stimulation, and make a difference.  Popular post-retirement activities include spending time with family and friends, indulging in hobbies and sports, taking continuing education classes, and traveling.  Many also choose to help their communities by volunteering some of their time for a good cause.  These activities can keep seniors involved in their communities, provide physical activity and mental stimulation, and improve their quality of life.

What kind of opportunities are available and how can I find them?  There are opportunities abound for volunteers of all ages- you just have to know where to look.  The internet is a great resource!  In addition, think about some of the opportunities that may not be listed on the internet.  Does your loved one like music?  Try your city's symphony.  Teaching?  They could become a tutor for a local literacy group.  Your city's symphony, local NPR station and public television station, zoo, museum, and humane society are all great places to start and often struggling to find volunteers.

Volunteering is a great way to stay involved and it can be a fun activity for your loved one- whether they volunteer alone, with friends, or you pick a special opportunity that you both enjoy.  Some great places on the internet to begin your search: 

• Corporation for National and Community Service - oversees AmeriCorps, SeniorCorps, etc.  Many opportunities for 55+ (www.getinvolved.gov)
• SCORE - working and retired business owners and executives provide free advice to small businesses (http://www.score.org/index.html)
• VolunteerMatch.org - matches volunteers to opportunities based on location and area of interest (www,volunteermatch.org)
• Other local organizations (e.g. OASIS in Indianapolis at www.oasisnet.org)