Volunteering as a Way to Make Friends

By Tanya Thakur, MBBS and Sharon Brock, MEd, MS

Making new friends in midlife and beyond can be challenging with our busy lives. Studies show that over a third of adults aged 45 and older often feel lonely, and nearly a quarter of adults 65 and older are socially isolated. These studies also show that social media use is not as effective as in-person interactions to reduce the experience of loneliness.

Luckily, volunteering is an activity that can increase our social circles by connecting us with people with similar interests and values. Researchers have linked volunteering with improved mental health, not only due to the feelings of social connection with the other volunteers, but also due to a boost in self-esteem that results from offering time and energy for the good of others.

In fact, according to the NHS, there are five steps you can take to improve your mental well-being, all of which are addressed with volunteering:

1. Connect with other people
2. Stay physically active
3. Learn new skills
4. Give to others
5. Stay mindful and present in the moment

Practical Tips to Get Started with Volunteering

Ready to harness these benefits? Here are a few tips to make the most of your volunteering journey:

1) Find your passion project

As we approach a nationwide election, volunteering to support your favorite politicians is a great way to meet like-minded folks. Thanksgiving and winter holidays are also fast approaching, opening many opportunities to volunteer with churches or offer food to your community’s homeless population.

Whatever you choose, why you volunteer matters. Research shows that people who volunteer for causes they are passionate about get more out of the experience than those who aren’t. So, if you love animals, call your local animal shelter to see if they need volunteers. Or, if you love nature, team up with a volunteer group that plants trees and nurtures community gardens. In any case, take some time to reflect on what you deeply care about and seek out organizations that serve that cause.

To help you find a great fit, here are links to credible registries of volunteer opportunities:

Volunteer Match

Volunteer.gov

United Way

Red Cross

2) Start small and gradually build

Studies show that older adults experience reduced loneliness when volunteering more than 100 hours per year. If this number seems like a lofty goal, start small and local — commit to only a couple hours per week at a convenient location, then gradually increase your involvement as you become more comfortable. This approach will help ensure long-term ease in attending activities and maintaining your commitment.

3) Be consistent

You can make your experience more meaningful by opting for a volunteering job where you meet up with the same people regularly. Having fun with your volunteer group can enhance your motivation to show up every week. This consistent connection over an extended period is a great way to build and deepen these new friendships.

4) Stay balanced while prioritizing volunteer work

Remember, the goal is to make volunteering a sustainable, fun part of your life, not an additional source of stress. If you think your volunteering duties may be too strenuous for your health, consider talking to a medical professional–they may be able to provide resources for alternative ways to volunteer. If the issue is time, staying balanced and allowing yourself the flexibility to pull back if you feel overwhelmed is important. However, knowing the mental health benefits of volunteering, prioritizing your volunteer hours with other life commitments is also important.