Give 5: Volunteer Opportunities for Retirees

Years ago, the word "retirement" might have evoked images of white-haired couples sitting in rocking chairs on their front porches. But with men and women living longer and enjoying better health into their later years, retirement has become an extremely active phase of life where retirees are able to channel their passions into purpose.

The first wave of baby boomers turned 65 in 2011. Now, approximately 10,000 boomers turn 65 every single day in America. Those retiring boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) are a very large group of talented individuals with experience, expertise, passion, and - for the first time in their lives - time.

Stark County, like any other community, has a large and growing need for skilled volunteers and volunteer leadership at non-profits. Volunteering (especially among boomers and older people) can increase energy, decrease depression, lessen isolation, and even lower mortality rates. Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warns that the greatest public health threat is not what most people might expect –  it’s not heart disease or cancer –  it’s isolation and the effects from being socially disconnected.

This program provides a unique method of volunteering for United Way in Stark County while helping retirees live more vibrant lives.

Less than a third of boomers volunteer. A key reason that many boomers don’t volunteer is they haven’t found ways in which they can volunteer the way they want to, putting their talents and skills to use.

While many retiring and retired boomers aren’t aware of the wide variety of volunteer opportunities available in Stark County, many organizations needing volunteers are also not prepared for the large quantity of skilled retirees on the horizon. United Way of Greater Stark County recognized that our community needs a program that connects these two needs.

Give 5 is able to provide a variety of volunteer opportunities in Canton, Ohio, and Stark County, benefitting retirees and our local organizations and non-profits.