When you retire, you may find that you have a lot more time on your hands. If that’s the case, think about joining the more than 2.2 million South Africans who volunteer each year by offering to help at your local animal rescue, children’s home or school. Here are a few things to consider before you get started.

Doing good is good for you
Volunteering is a wonderful way to make a difference in the lives of others and give back to the community. It’s also a great way to connect with people who share similar passions and interests to you. And, if you find the right fit, it can be hugely rewarding. There’s even evidence to suggest that volunteering has a positive effect on the mental health of older people and can reduce depression. But perhaps most importantly, volunteering can give you a sense of purpose – something which can be especially valuable in retirement.

Identify what you feel most strongly about
Would you love to help tackle the literacy crisis in South Africa? Do you feel a pull towards assisting those living with disabilities? Or perhaps, stray animals tug at your heart strings? Once you’ve identified what you’d like to give your time to, start thinking about where you could be most useful. If you know someone who already volunteers at a local charity you’re interested in helping, ask them to introduce you to the right people. If not, forgood.co.za, which helps to connect people to causes is a great place to start, as is playyourpart.co.za, a national initiative that encourages all South Africans to contribute to positive change.

Decide how much time you can give
Volunteering doesn’t need to be a full-time or, for that matter, permanent commitment. Before you sign up to help, think about how much time you can realistically assign to your chosen charity – it’s probably best to offer less to start with and increase it later on if you find that you have more time to give. It’s also important to consider a trial period to ensure that the work you’ll be doing lines up with your skills and expectations and that you don’t find it too physically or emotionally taxing.

Photo by Jessica Mulder on Unsplash