Many older adults and retirees would love the opportunity to volunteer and be of service to their community. Volunteering can also be a stepping-stone to learning new skills while utilizing the skills you already possess. It can also be a great method of social networking. Volunteering offers a lot of positives, but finding the right volunteer job for you is the most important first step.

AARP has an informative article called Finding the Right Opportunity. The AARP article suggests you start by asking yourself these questions:

* Why am I interested in volunteering?
* What type of activities am I interested in?
* What are my natural strengths and gifts? What do I really enjoy doing?
* Would I prefer a small local organization, or a larger regional or national one?
* What issues do I care most about?
* How will my desire to serve fit in with my current time commitments?
* How much time do I want to give? What days, or parts of days?
* Would I prefer to do something in my own neighborhood, or travel to another?

They also suggest you consider becoming an AARP volunteer. Check out the article for information on finding the right volunteer opportunity and for a link to the volunteer opportunities in your state.