According to new data released by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), Emeritus volunteering is at a 10-year high - one in three volunteers is a senior age 55 and older. These men and women tap a lifetime of experience to help those in greatest need. More than 20 million senior volunteers gave nearly 3 billion hours of service, at a value of $67 billion. In addition to helping others, Emeritus volunteers are also helping themselves by living active, healthy lives through volunteering. A growing body of research points to mental and physical health benefits associated with volunteering, including lower mortality rates, increased strength and energy, decreased rates of depression, and fewer physical limitations. It is also a great way to acquire skills if you are thinking about going back to work. "Volunteering helps Americans by keeping them active, healthy, and engaged," said Dr. Erwin Tan, Director of Senior Corps at CNCS. "As our nation's older population rapidly grows, we have a tremendous opportunity to unleash the power of older volunteers on our most pressing problems."

• Food Pantry
• Animal Shelter
• Community Parks/Gardens
• Libraries
• Hospitals
• Museums

To find a best volunteering opportunity close to you, we invite you to use our volunteering opportunity widget on the Volunteering main page.

Resources

Senior Corps connects today's 55+ with the people and organizations that need them most. They help you to become mentors, coaches or companions to people in need, or contribute their job skills and expertise to community projects and organizations. Emeritus receive guidance and training so you can make a contribution that suits their talents, interests, and availability. www.nationalservice.gov