The Unexpected Joys: Stories from Senior Volunteers
The benefits listed on a volunteer brochure—things like “staying active” and “making a difference”—are all true. But the real magic often lies in the unexpected joys, the little moments that remind you why you started. I’ve spoken with so many retirees who have found a second wind through their volunteer work, and their stories are truly inspiring.
There’s Carol, a retired teacher who started volunteering at her local library’s front desk. She thought she’d just be checking out books. A year later, she’s running the weekly children’s story hour, complete with funny voices for all the characters. She says the laughter and hugs from the kids give her more energy than her morning coffee ever did. She didn’t just find a task; she found a new audience for her lifelong passion for education.
Then there’s David, a former engineer who felt a bit lost after his career ended. He started helping a local habitat restoration group clear invasive ivy from a park near his home. He expected sore muscles and dirty hands. What he didn’t expect was the deep camaraderie he’d build with his fellow volunteers—a retired nurse, a young college student, and a stay-at-home dad. They talk about everything from birdwatching to their grandkids while they work. He says that feeling of being part of a team, working toward a shared goal, was something he deeply missed from his career, and he was thrilled to find it again among the trees.
These stories show that volunteering is as much about what you receive as what you give. It’s about discovering new talents, forming surprising friendships, and finding a renewed sense of belonging. It’s proof that finding purpose after 60 is an active, joyful pursuit.
