The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations for the Welfare of the Elderly

The word “retirement” evokes the image of white-haired people taking it easy sitting on the porch and whiling away leisurely hours. But times have changed, now people stay active and healthy for years together. They love to work and hence feel the urge to invest in mind and body which will help them keep motivated and great. Many retirees finally have the time to devote their time to causes or work which they had wanted to do when they were younger but never had the time to do.

Now there are many charities and non-profit organizations which are in dire need for help. So, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities for retirees to invest in, with time and effort.

Top NGO Opportunities for Retirees

 If you are looking for fulfilling ways to spend your retirement years, here are some great ideas for you to explore as far as voluntary services are concerned. Read on to find out about these opportunities.

·      Opportunities for retired military personnel and civilian retirees- If you are wishing to lend a hand and show your gratitude to veterans or active servicemen and women. You can do so, by helping to increase the quality of life for military personnel and their families. 

·       Volunteering for children-Many children's hospitals depend on volunteers for some activities such as reading stories, tutoring patients, monitoring playrooms and helping out families with whatever they require for a child. Volunteering opportunities for Ngo’s which involve children require a background check and also a commitment to work for a certain number of hours per week over a certain period of time say three, six or 12 months. Volunteering with children can be really beneficial as well as fulfilling.

·        Disaster relief volunteering- Natural disasters can bring great distress and destruction for people who gets afflicted by them. While, in some cases disaster relief volunteers are required to maintain certain certifications such as CPR or few other lifesaving skills, volunteers are also required to handle supplies, donations and administrative tasks, as well to offer comfort and assistance to the survivors of the crisis.

·       Volunteering for animal shelter- Local animal shelters are always in need of volunteers to look after animals, organize various fundraising events, perform some administrative tasks, or assist people to rescue pets in the wake of disasters like floods, fires and other natural disasters. Retirees can also act as a foster parent for rescued animals until a permanent placement can be found for a homeless cat or dog.

So, you see there are so many ideas to explore if you really want to give volunteering a shot! Have you tried volunteering for any NGO group, if you have, do let us know in the comments section!