Volunteer Opportunities

Help make a positive impact in the lives of older adults in your community by volunteering your time and skills.  Are you a retiree looking for meaningful engagement? A working professional eager to share your talents? A student interested in gerontology, health or social service as a career? Someone who needs community service hours for a job, school or other program? Help bring joy, companionship and support to Missouri’s seniors.

Why Volunteer with Older Adults?

• Experience the Power of Connection: Discover the profound impact of building meaningful relationships with older adults. Your presence and companionship can combat loneliness and isolation, improving their overall well-being, and yours, as well.
• Share Wisdom and Learn: Engage in conversations that bridge generations, allowing you to gain valuable insights and wisdom from their life experiences. Simultaneously, you can share your knowledge and skills, fostering mutual growth and understanding.
• Make a Lasting Difference: Your volunteer work can have a lasting impact on the lives of older adults and seniors. By offering your time and support, you can help them maintain their independence, enhance their quality of life, and create cherished memories.
• Personal Growth: Volunteering with older adults and seniors provides an opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection. It allows you to develop empathy, patience and a deeper understanding of the aging process.
• Building a Supportive Community: Join a network of like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a difference. Connect with fellow volunteers, professionals and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of older adults and seniors.
• Enhancing Your Skill Set: Volunteering can enhance your communication, problem-solving and leadership skills. These valuable attributes can benefit you both personally and professionally.

Find Your Place

• Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are local organizations that provide a wide range of services to support older adults and caregivers. They need volunteers to assist with a variety of programs and activities.  AAAs differ in the specific services they provide, but they all utilize volunteers in some way. Find more information about your AAA and the services they provide.
  • Research Other Local Organizations: Many other groups also serve older adults. Independent senior centers, retirement communities, places of worship, and service organizations often need people to help them fulfill their missions. Learn about their volunteer programs, requirements, and the specific areas where your skills and interests can be utilized.

Possible Volunteer Opportunities

• Companionship and Socialization: Spend quality time with older adults and seniors, engaging in conversations, playing games, or simply enjoying each other's company. If in-person interaction isn’t feasible, you might even offer telephone reassurance, video chat or become a penpal. Your presence can brighten their day and alleviate feelings of loneliness.
• Assisting with Daily Activities: Help with daily tasks such as transportation to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, meal preparation or light housekeeping. These small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in their lives, allowing them to maintain their independence and could offer a family caregiver a much-needed break.
• Mentoring and Tutoring: Share your expertise by offering mentorship or tutoring services or teaching a class at a senior center. Help older adults stay fit and active, learn a new skill or pick up a hobby, empowering them to stay engaged and active, both physically and mentally.
• Meal delivery: Pick up food at a central location and deliver it to older adults who are unable to visit senior centers for congregate dining. You not only support them with needed nutrition but have the opportunity to interact and bring a social component to their day.

By volunteering to work with older adults, you have the power to create a positive change in their lives. Your compassion, time and dedication can bring immense joy, companionship and support to those who need it most. Fill out the Statewide Volunteer Application and embark on a rewarding journey that will leave a lasting impact on both you and the seniors you serve.