Give Back to San Diego: Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors

A well-lived life is its own reward. If you're someone with a heart for service, you're already aware that volunteering your time is a satisfying, fulfilling way to spend your days. One of the perks of being retired is that you can freely give your time. Of course, doing good for others can also benefit seniors. It turns out that volunteerism may be a fountain of youth of sorts!

Research from Harvard's T.C. Chan School of Public Health shows that older adults who volunteer for as little as two hours per week can substantially lower their risk of early death, become more physically active, and improve their sense of well-being compared to those who don’t volunteer. Information shared by the Mayo Clinic Health System shows that volunteering among adults aged 60 and over produces a wide range of benefits for physical and mental health. In addition to reporting better health compared to people who don't volunteer, older adults who volunteer experience lower rates of depression and anxiety. It makes sense when you consider that the experience of being in service to others creates feelings of meaning and appreciation. It also requires constant problem solving and the need to be "fast on your feet." Of course, the biggest benefit of all may be that volunteering provides an opportunity to connect with others.

Loneliness is one of the most dangerous risk factors for older Americans today. According to the National Institutes for Aging, being alone may leave older adults more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation that can impact health and well-being. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for health problems that include heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. Other research links loneliness in old age with risks for high blood pressure, obesity, weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and death. With increased awareness of the risks associated with the loneliness epidemic experienced by older Americans, it's not surprising that so many San Diego seniors are building richer, more connected lives using vibrant assisted-living communities and volunteer opportunities to thrive in their golden years.

There's a good chance you're feeling pretty inspired to start volunteering in San Diego after learning about all of the benefits this offers for seniors. That's why we've compiled a list of the best volunteering opportunities for older adults in San Diego. We've even included links to help you quickly reach out for opportunities that appeal to you. Happy volunteering!

Website: https://www.seniorvolunteersd.org/volunteer-opportunities.html

Phone: (858) 505-6399

The County of San Diego's Health and Human Services Agency offers a senior volunteer program designed to help local citizens aged 50 and older stay engaged with the community. Through the program, seniors can lend their time and talent to a variety of programs and departments that include:

• California Highway Patrol
• Carlsbad Police Department
• Chula Vista Police Department
• Coronado Police Department
• El Cajon Police Department
• Escondido Police Department
• San Diego County Sheriff's Department
• The Children's Initiative
• Home Start Inc.
• International Rescue Committee
• Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center/Jacobs Family Campus
• Ronald McDonald House Charities
• San Diego County Library
• San Diego Oasis
• Chula Vista Garden Club
• Living Coast Discovery Center
• San Diego Botanic Garden
• San Diego Canyonlands
• Much more

This is a great path to take if you're passionate about helping your local community. While no special talents are required, many seniors are able to use their career skills and life experience to contribute meaningfully by preserving local nature, helping law enforcement to solve crimes, and feeding and educating local children in at-risk communities.

Website: https://www.americorps.gov/serve/americorps-seniors

Dedicated to helping seniors aged 55 and older find purpose in their communities, AmeriCorps Senior has a San Diego chapter that is always looking for motivated helpers willing to deliver groceries to elderly neighbors, help families in need following natural disasters, and more. One especially fun opportunity is the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program that lets you use your talents to mentor and tutor students with exceptional needs.

Website: https://www.sandiegofoodbank.org/volunteer/

Phone Number: 1-858-527-1419

The San Diego Food Bank supports more than 400,000 people every single month. As you can imagine, it takes a lot of volunteers to pull this off. The biggest need is for volunteers who can work at the San Diego Food Bank warehouse to spend time inspecting, sorting, and packing food for distribution. Did you know that more than 30,000 pounds of food are inspected here every week? That's why little tasks like checking expiration dates, looking for signs of damage in food packaging, and separating food items into different categories for distribution are so vital for keeping things moving. You don't need any special training or skills to get started. You can register your volunteer visit online. The team will give you some introductory training to let you start your shift right away!

Website: https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/jobs/volunteer

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) volunteers are called Conservation Ambassadors. They help to make the guest experience at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park exceptional while also being allies for wildlife. In general, Conservation Ambassadors help guests navigate around the park. You will be placed at a station in the park where you can greet guests, answer questions, or help families plan their visits. This role is perfect for seniors because it requires the ability to be flexible about scheduling and commit to at least 60 hours per year.