Page 24 - Living Gems Thrive | May 2024

Get more than you give

Why volunteering is good for you

The idea of retirement and switching off the morning alarm clock to Connection with community
have a sleep-in every day is the dream of many workers. Isolation is a serious issue for older
Australians with 20 percent socially
However, losing long-established routines and status earned over years of isolated – the highest demographic
experience can be downright depressing once the honeymoon phase of to experience loneliness. Working
retirement is over. with a volunteer group gets you out
and about meeting other people
Did you know that volunteering could be one of the secrets to a happy across a wide range of age groups,
retirement? National Volunteer Week from 20 to 26 May puts the spotlight on which helps you feel more socially
the importance of those who give their time to make a difference. connected.

The first and most important tip for enjoying life after working is rediscovering Share your skills and learn new ones
a sense of purpose. With a lifetime of experience to share, volunteering is a There are some volunteer
great way to create great social connections – especially for a good cause. organisations where you can act
Opportunities are numerous, fun and closer to home than you might think. as mentors to younger people and
share the wisdom of your experience
We’re a nation of volunteers with more than six million Aussies regularly as well as some of the practical
showing up to help at community organisations every year. skills you’ve mastered. Also, be

It might be surprising to learn that the age group with the highest number of open to learning new skills yourself.
volunteers is not the group with the most amount of spare time. According to This might mean brushing up on
Volunteering Australia, the largest group of volunteers (at 36.2 percent) are in your computer knowledge. Trying
the 40 to 54 age range. something new serves to keep your
brain sharp and active.
But did you know that volunteering is not just good for other people but good Broaden your horizons
for you too?
If you like to travel, there are also
Giving your time has positive physical and mental wellbeing benefits with volunteering opportunities that
research from the Mayo Clinic revealing that those who regularly lend a take you away from well-trod tourist
helping hand had lower rates of depression and anxiety. In fact, volunteers destinations. Spend more time in
overall had lower mortality rates than people who didn’t. a particular location to explore the
culture and do some good too.
The benefits don’t just end there.

Research your next volunteer opportunity

Interested in volunteering and don’t know where to start? We have some websites for you to explore:

Volunteering Australia - volunteeringaustralia.org/#/
Go Volunteer - govolunteer.com.au/volunteering/in-queensland-qld
Volunteering in Queensland’s National Parks - des.qld.gov.au/our-department/employment/volunteers/
opportunities
GVI Australia - gviaustralia.com.au/over-50s-volunteering/

24 Thrive