Senior Volunteering: Good Deeds Can Go a Long Way

Benefits of Senior Volunteering

Volunteering isn’t just about helping others. It also offers lots of perks for your body, mind, and social life. Research published in the International Journal of Nursing Sciences shows that seniors who volunteer regularly experience reduced risk of depression, improved cognitive function and memory retention, enhanced sense of purpose and self-worth, increased community connection, and better physical health outcomes.2

For instance, when seniors learn new things and solve problems through volunteering, their brains stay active. It’s like exercise for the mind, which can help retain or even improve cognitive function as they age.

Similarly, many volunteer jobs naturally keep seniors active and moving. They might be asked to walk dogs, help out at events, or organize supplies. It’s a gentle exercise for the body that doesn’t feel like work.

National Senior Volunteer Programs

Before we dive into what each state offers, let’s talk about the big programs that work in all 50 states.

AARP Programs

The AARP Foundation offers several volunteer initiatives operating nationwide:

• AARP Tax-Aide Program – Free tax preparation assistance to low and moderate-income taxpayers
• AARP Foundation Experience Corps – Literacy tutoring for elementary school children
• Driver Safety Programs – Training seniors to teach defensive driving courses

>>Read more: AARP Car Rental Discounts

AmeriCorps Seniors

This federal program encompasses three major volunteer initiatives specifically designed for Americans aged 55 and older:

• Americorps Seniors – Flexible volunteer opportunities matching skills with community needs
• Foster Grandparent Program – One-on-one mentoring and tutoring for children with special needs
• Senior Companion Program – Assistance and companionship for homebound seniors

Over 270,000 people volunteer through these programs every year. For seniors considering volunteer work as part of their broader retirement planning, these structured programs offer reliable frameworks for meaningful engagement.

State-by-State Volunteer Opportunities

Northeast Region

New York offers diverse volunteer opportunities with extensive public transportation access:

• New York Cares – A volunteer organization with flexible opportunities for seniors living in the metropolitan area. 
• Volunteer New York! – A statewide coordination and volunteer matching service
• NYC Department for the Aging – Connects seniors with local volunteer opportunities through senior centers

Massachusetts3 maintains one of the highest volunteer rates nationally:

• Massachusetts Service Alliance – A state service commission that coordinates volunteer efforts
• Boston Cares – Offers team-based volunteer projects accommodating various abilities
• Mass General Brigham Volunteer Services – Provides hospital-based opportunities with comprehensive training

Pennsylvania volunteer programs reflect its industrial heritage and rural communities:

• PennSERVE – A state-coordinated volunteer matching service
• Philadelphia Corporation for Aging – A senior-specific volunteer coordination center in the Philadelphia area
• United Way of Pennsylvania – A statewide volunteer initiative coordination

Southeast Region

Florida’s large senior population has created an extensive volunteer infrastructure with year-round outdoor opportunities:

• Volunteer Florida – Comprehensive statewide volunteer opportunity database
• Senior Corps Florida – All three AmeriCorps Seniors programs with state coordination
• Florida Department of Elder Affairs – Volunteer coordination through Area Agencies on Aging

Georgia emphasizes community-based volunteer programs:

• Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism – Statewide volunteer effort coordination
• Atlanta Community ToolBank – Unique tool maintenance and distribution volunteer opportunities
• Georgia Department of Human Services – Connects seniors with local volunteer programs

North Carolina focuses on environmental conservation and educational support:

• NC Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service – Statewide volunteer coordination and funding
• North Carolina Botanical Garden – Specialized environmental education volunteer training
• Triangle Volunteer Center – Serves the Research Triangle area with technology-enhanced matching

Midwest Region

Illinois offers robust urban opportunities in Chicago while maintaining rural networks throughout the state:

• Serve Illinois – State service commission overseeing volunteer programs
• Chicago Cares – Large-scale volunteer organization with senior-friendly projects
• Illinois Department on Aging – Coordinates volunteer opportunities through local Area Agencies

Ohio emphasizes civic engagement and community development:

• ServeOhio – State coordination and funding for volunteer programs
• United Way of Greater Cincinnati – Comprehensive volunteer matching services
• Ohio Department of Aging – Maintains partnerships for age-appropriate volunteer opportunities

Michigan includes unique Great Lakes environmental opportunities:

• Michigan Community Service Commission – Coordinates environmental stewardship volunteer programs
• International Institute of Metro Detroit – Urban opportunities with transportation assistance programs
• Michigan Office of Services to the Aging – Connects seniors with experience-utilizing opportunities

Western Region

California’s size and diversity create extensive opportunities with unique technology sector programs:

• California Volunteers – State office coordinating volunteer and service programs
• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank – One of the country’s largest food distribution networks
• California Department of Aging – Coordinates senior volunteer programs through Area Agencies

Texas offers opportunities reflecting regional diversity:

• OneStar Foundation – Texas’s designated state service commission
• Senior Planet Texas – Technology-focused volunteer opportunities and training
• Texas Health and Human Services – Coordinates senior volunteer programs through regional partnerships

Washington emphasizes environmental volunteer opportunities:

• Serve Washington – Statewide coordination with environmental focus
• Seattle Works – Urban volunteer organization with senior-accessible projects
• Washington State Department of Home and Community Living – Connects seniors with volunteer opportunities

Specialized Volunteer Programs

We also found a few volunteer programs that are either designed specifically for seniors, or work really well for older adults. Here are some of them:

>>Read more: Guide to Retirement

Educational Support Programs

Many states utilize seniors’ knowledge and experience in educational settings. If you have a passion for teaching and sharing knowledge, check out:

• VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) – Hires seniors with accounting or business experience
• Adult Literacy Programs – State-wide adult education programs coordinated through local organizations

Healthcare and Social Services

Seniors often do amazing work in healthcare because they understand what people are going through. Some volunteer programs throughout the country offer senior-friendly roles, such as:

• Hospital Volunteer Programs – Major medical centers with structured volunteer programs and senior-friendly assignments
• Hospice Volunteering – Provides emotional support and companionship to patients and families in hospice care
• Senior Companion Programs – Funded through AmeriCorps Seniors, matching volunteers with isolated seniors who need companionship

Environmental and Conservation Programs

If you find fulfillment in environmental work, there are available programs adapted to various physical abilities, such as:

• Master Gardener Programs – Operated through state university extensions, providing training and volunteer opportunities
• Trail Maintenance Programs – State and national park volunteer programs suitable for seniors
• Wildlife Monitoring Programs – Involve observation and data collection rather than physical labor

For comprehensive retirement community options that encourage volunteer engagement, many facilities partner with local organizations to facilitate resident participation in community service.

How to Pick the Right Program

Deciding to volunteer and choosing the right program takes serious thought. Here’s what we recommend considering:

Things to Think About

• Physical needs – How much standing, walking, or lifting can you do?
• Time commitment – Do you want short-term projects or ongoing work?
• Transportation – How will you get there? Is public transit available?
• Training – Are you up for extensive training or prefer informal participation?
• Social preferences – Do you prefer working one-on-one or in groups?

Where to Get Help Finding Programs

Most states have centralized places to find volunteer work:

• State Service Commissions – Every state has one that coordinates volunteer efforts
• 211 Systems – Just dial 2-1-1 for local volunteer information (works in most areas)
• Area Agencies on Aging – Government agencies that coordinate senior services, including volunteering
• United Way – Local United Way organizations maintain volunteer databases

>>Read more: Our Complete Guide to Medicare

Matching Interests with Opportunities

We also recommend matching your interests with volunteering opportunities. Different states are good at different things. States with big universities often have lots of educational volunteer work. Farming states have food and agriculture-related programs. Coastal states have marine conservation. Cities have lots of social services and cultural programs.

Research from AARP shows that seniors who volunteer doing things they’re interested in and good at are happier and stick with it longer.4

Helping An Older Family Member Start Volunteer Work

If you’re a family caretaker and your loved one has expressed interest in doing volunteer work, you can help them get started. Here’s what we recommend:

Step 1: Figure Out What Your Senior Wants

• What are their interests and hobbies?
• What did they do for work?
• Are there any physical limitations?
• How much time do they want to commit?
• How will they get to volunteer sites?

Step 2: Research What’s Available in Your State

• Contact your state’s service commission for volunteer databases
• Reach out to local Area Agencies on Aging for senior-specific programs
• Look into faith-based organizations if that’s important
• Check out hospitals for patient support opportunities

Step 3: Make Contact and Ask Questions

• Ask about time commitment and training
• Find out about background checks and how long they take
• Ask about support services and ongoing training
• Ask about recognition and appreciation programs

Step 4: Try It Out

• Start with short-term commitments to see if it’s a good fit
• Check in regularly to talk about how it’s going
• Be ready to make changes or try different opportunities
• Keep track of what works and what doesn’t

Making Sure It’s Working

Once they’ve started doing volunteer work, we also recommend monitoring how it’s working out for them. First, you want to make sure they’re finding the volunteer work they’re doing fulfilling. Second, you also have to make sure they are doing it for and with a good-quality volunteer program.

Signs It’s Going Well

If your older loved one finds the work fulfilling, you’ll likely see these signs:

• They talk more about their volunteer work and new friends
• They seem more active and energetic
• They’re more interested in current events or learning new things
• Their mood and sense of purpose improve
• Their memory or decision-making gets better

Signs the Program is Good Quality

You’ll also know your loved one is with a good volunteer program if:

• Volunteers stick around for long periods
• The organization provides good training and support
• Communication is regular and clear
• They recognize and appreciate volunteers
• They’re willing to work with schedule changes or modify duties

Making It Last

Of course, if your loved one wants to do long-term volunteer work, you have to make sure it’s sustainable for them. There are many factors to consider, from physical and mental health and time availability. Plus, we also recommend periodically assessing things as your loved one’s abilities, health, and finances change over time.

Preventing Burnout

• Start slowly and gradually take on more
• Keep a balanced schedule with time for rest and family
• Try different types of volunteer work
• Take regular breaks
• Set clear boundaries on availability

Adapting as Things Change

As seniors age, volunteer work might need to change, too. Good programs offer:

• Different roles as abilities change
• Mentoring opportunities for experienced volunteers to train others
• Advisory positions that use wisdom without physical demands
• Seasonal adjustments based on health, weather, or family needs

Conclusion

The secret to successful senior volunteering is matching what your loved one can do and enjoys with the right opportunities. Every state has great infrastructure, from federal programs like AmeriCorps Seniors to state programs and local organizations.

When we help families find the right volunteer match, we see seniors light up with joy, purpose, and new friendships. There’s something out there for everyone, and we’re here to help you find it.