Senior volunteers

Let me be clear: I’m not trying to rain on anyone’s parade. I’m not telling people they shouldn’t volunteer to serve other seniors. But the literature on this is so terribly skewed. It’s overwhelmingly about all the things that volunteering can do for you: social connection, feeling useful and so on. Apparently, these days volunteering is all about you. It seems so narrow and self-serving that I decided it would be worth sparing at least a few moments’ thought to turn things around and look at this venture from the point of view of the senior at the receiving end of volunteer service.

Imagine a senior living in long term care or a retirement home, or maybe living alone in her own home. Her basic survival needs may be taken care of, but she might feel isolated and lonely. Volunteers of any age might step in to fill that gap, but volunteers who are fellow seniors can really enrich the experience. As a senior volunteer, you can approach your clients as peers, making for a more equal relationship. You may therefore more naturally treat your clients with dignity and respect. You can relate to the challenges the client faces and acknowledge the efforts the client is making to age gracefully. In this relationship, both people can feel valued and appreciated.

But volunteers are only human, and you have needs too. Maybe you’re newly retired, and missing the role and recognition your job used to offer. Maybe you’re a widow or an empty nester, and missing the companionship and connection your family used to provide. Senior volunteering can help fill those needs, as long as you are clear on what your needs and expectations are, and how to manage them. What happens if you are too needy? The client may feel that she has to keep expressing gratitude, can’t be critical, has to keep feeding the volunteer’s ego. Senior clients are often vulnerable themselves and should not have to assume an emotional burden imposed by a volunteer.

So of course you should volunteer if you want to and have something to offer. But make sure you think carefully about it first, and understand your own needs and motivations. Know thyself.