“I’ve been retired for years. What should I do with myself?”

It can be underwhelming once you finally have more time on your hands—something you’ve been looking forward to for years.

So, how do you use your time in a meaningful way?

Jessica Oldfield, system director of volunteer services at Kettering Health, feels that volunteering is not only a way to serve others but also a way to improve your own physical and mental health, and she has seen this firsthand with many volunteers on our campuses.

Find a community

Like doing anything for the first time, volunteering can be nerve-racking. A new place with new people—it’s overwhelming.

But it doesn’t take long to connect with others who give you the community you may be missing.

“There’s a sense of belonging,” says Oldfield. “A sense of being part of something, so folks are not isolated, which also brings opportunities to create friendships with those doing similar work and having similar interests, to give back.”

It’s a big reason why volunteering is also known to improve mental health, especially in senior adults.

“We have opportunities for anyone. Volunteering comes in many forms, and we offer a variety of roles across our hospital campuses,” says Oldfield. “We have roles where volunteers work with groups or interact greatly with staff, visitors, and patients. We also have roles that are more individual. We have seen the most shy, introverted people suddenly blossom. They gain confidence, learn new skills, are able to use skill sets from previous careers, and they’re proud of themselves.”

Get your steps in

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s recommended that senior adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week.

Depending on the role, you can get the physical activity your body needs through volunteering.

“A lot of our volunteers get a lot of exercise, and many request active positions,” says Oldfield. “They’re walking throughout the facilities. Some folks might be delivering mail, or they may be escorting patients and visitors to destinations.”

Choose an opportunity you’re comfortable with and capable of doing. That way, you can not only get some exercise but enjoy it as well.

You still have a purpose

Oldfield says volunteering can give you the space to use the skills you’ve built over a lifetime to contribute in a meaningful way. 

“Volunteers are able to bring their previous skills to the table,” she says. “And their smiles get bigger, and their laughter gets louder.”

Being retired doesn’t mean your life of contributing to others is over.

Get involved

If you are interested in volunteering, Kettering Health has countless positions in all of our facilities, from brightening patients’ days to supporting our medical staff.