Retirement: How volunteer work enriches life and makes life lonely

Retirement: How volunteer work enriches life and makes life lonely

In recent years, the topic of volunteer work and voluntary work has become increasingly important among seniors. Many older people wonder how they can use their time wisely after retirement. Health plays a central role in this. Numerous voices mention that a good level of physical and mental fitness is crucial to staying active. Heidelore Engelhard has clear views on this: She emphasizes voluntariness and emphasizes that everyone who wants to take on something will find opportunities to contribute their skills. However, this feeling of freedom can sometimes turn into an unpleasant “hole” after retirement when habits break.

The positive power of commitment is undisputed, because according to current data, the proportion of people over 65 who do volunteer work is an impressive 34%. For people with higher education and no health restrictions, the figure is an impressive 55.4%. While the motivation is often present here, it turns out that health restrictions can represent a barrier: only 24.4% of people with severe disabilities get involved. These findings support that a better financial situation, which is often associated with higher education, also makes it easier to participate in volunteer work.

Involvement in the neighborhood

A popular form of engagement takes place in one's own neighborhoods. Neighborhood assistance not only enables young families who need support, for example in the form of surrogate grandparents, but also helps older citizens with everyday tasks such as shopping or visiting the doctor. This mutual support makes many people feel needed and counteracts loneliness.

But why do people get involved? Volunteering not only promotes social participation, but also has a proven positive impact on one's own well-being. Participants often report an improved quality of life. Neighborhood assistance initiatives are widespread in Austria and are often supported by private associations or large aid organizations such as Caritas and the Red Cross. The corona pandemic has also led to an increase in such offers of help, as many people were willing to help their neighbors in difficult times.

New ideas – old people, new perspectives

An interesting perspective comes from Dr. Mahmoud Imani, a geologist, entered the debate. Although he has not yet dealt with the topic of volunteering, he is interested in accompanying students on excursions. The volunteer exchange helpING could rely on valuable support in implementing his idea. Such collaborations are important in order to bring in individual talents and interests in a targeted manner, even in old age.

In summary, retirement provides a golden opportunity to become active in the community. The passion and commitment of older people is a part of social cohesion and enriches not only their own lives, but also the lives of many others. So anyone looking for suitable opportunities is invited to take the first step - there is a lot to do!

For further information about the positive effects of volunteering and how you can get involved in society, the [ Allgemeine-zeitung.de](https://www. Allgemeine-zeitung.de/lokales/kreis-mainz-bingen/ingelheim/sociales-jahr-rentner-debatte-meinungen-ruhestand-freiwillig-4920290) offers valuable insights. The German Center for Aging Issues also has interesting data available that underlines the importance of education as part of engagement. Finally, the topic of social engagement is comprehensively covered on the [Gesundheit.gv.at](https://www.gesundheit.gv.at/leben/altern/aelter- Werden/sociales-engagement.html) platform.