Active Seniors Unique Adventures

Volunteer Opportunities and Fun for Energetic Senior Citizens

Jan 28, 2008

Here are great ideas for older men and older women to remain active, volunteer to help, make friends, travel, and share their skill and wisdom globally or close to home,

Energetic older men and older women have great opportunities available to them where one can share valuable life skills and wisdom gathered over the years. Through groups and events such as the Peace Corps, Volunteer Vacations to help improve hiking trails, and community events, seniors and near-seniors can make a difference in the world. For senior citizens looking for unique and interesting volunteer opportunities, following are some excellent places to begin.

The Peace Corps Looks for Volunteers of All Ages

The Peace Corps, whose slogan is "Life is calling. How far will you go?" is actively seeking senior (ages 50+) volunteers, with no upper age limit. Since 1961, the Peace Corps have had volunteers serve in 74 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, and the Middle East. (Source: Peace Corps Website)

The organization takes applicants from college students to retirees, respecting and trying to best use the lifetime of work and wisdom each individual has to offer. Just some of the opportunities in the past have been teaching English to children, promoting disease awareness, working on conservation projects, and more.

To find out more about this rewarding opportunity to help others, travel, and learn new things, check out the Peace Corps online for more information. There is even a special section dedicated to those over 50 years of age.

Join in the Canadian Senior Games

The Canadian Senior Games Association will be holding its next annual Canada 55+ Games in Dieppe, New Brunswick, August 26- August 31, 2008. According to the website, "The Canada 55+ Games is a nation-wide program to sponsor wellness – that is, the spiritual, mental and physical well being – among Canadians 55 years of age and older."

Unique to this program is that it is not considered just a sporting event, "... as they span a wide range of physical and mental challenges, from Slow-pitch Softball to Contract Bridge, from Darts to Lawn Bowling, and from Snooker to Track and Field . These events bring together amateur competitors who participate for the sheer joy of competition."

See the website (linked above) for more information on this fun and uplifting event.

Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the New Deal Across the U.S.A.

A group of volunteers across the country "who are inspired by the leadership and legacy of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and the projects that raised America from despair to hope and renewal," are planning events begining March, 2008 (and continuing into 2009) across America to mark the 75th Anniversary of the New Deal.

The group offers the invitation to join in "celebrating this nation's living history: a time of crisis and transformation that still continues to influence and enrich many aspects of our lives. "

On the New Deal website, one can download a New Deal Planning Guidebook and find out about events planned around the nation. Contacts are listed for those who would like to be actively involved in making this special event even more spectacular in their community.

Outdoor Volunteer Hiking Opportunities for Active Senior Citizens

The American Hiking Society offers Volunteer Vacations, where volunteers aged 18-80 visit beautiful and remote outdoor locations to build or rebuild footpaths, cabins and shelters.

This is a great opportunity for older men and older women who love to hike to meet new like-minded people, explore the outdoors, enjoy charming evenings around the campfire. According to the AHS, "Volunteer Vacations are more fun than work!"

Cost for the trips are $275 or $245 for members. See the AHS website for more information and to download Volunteer Vacations schedules and locations.

Whatever one chooses to do, the joy of participation should be the main reward. Keeping active keeps one young at heart, in mind, and in the soul.

The copyright of the article Active Seniors Unique Adventures in Senior Leisure Activities is owned by Janienne Jennrich. Permission to republish Active Seniors Unique Adventures in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.