Volunteering has a unique way of enriching life at any age, but for seniors, it can be especially powerful. As people move into a new chapter of life — one with fewer work commitments and more time to explore what truly matters — volunteering offers a renewed sense of purpose.
It creates opportunities to share hard‑earned wisdom, build new friendships and stay involved in causes that spark passion. And in retirement living communities, these moments of contribution often become the heartbeat of daily life — shaping identity, strengthening wellbeing and reminding residents that they continue to make a real difference.
Across our community, we see this every day. Residents who volunteer light up with pride, energy and a sense of belonging. These stories show just how much joy and purpose volunteering brings to their lives. Here are 5 benefits of volunteering:
1. Sense of purpose and fulfilment
2. Building relationships and social connections
3. Physical activity and health benefits
In a recently conducted survey of over 4,500 Australian adults aged over 55 who are retired or semi-retired, we found that 30% of Australians over 55 are still participating in some form of paid or volunteer work. Retirement villages, in particular, offer a safe haven, with 65% of residents feeling safer, 46% less isolated and 40% more supported than before moving into the village.
This supportive environment likely contributes to the higher rates of volunteering among residents. Additionally, a spectacular 57% of Aussies aged 75 and over who are retired and living in retirement villages rate their social connection levels as excellent or very good compared to other demographics.
Volunteering provides seniors with a renewed sense of purpose and fulfilment. Engaging in meaningful activities and contributing to the community can be incredibly rewarding. It empowers older Australians to make meaningful contributions, feel appreciated within their community and significantly boost their overall happiness and life satisfaction.
Living in a retirement village greatly enhances a retiree’s ability to volunteer. With a supportive environment and numerous opportunities to get involved, residents often find it easier to participate in volunteer activities. At The Grove, Ngunnawal, The Grove Singers are proving that retirement is anything but boring. This vibrant group meets weekly to share their love of music with friends, neighbours and the broader community turning their passion into a form of meaningful volunteering. Through their performances at village events and local gatherings, they bring joy, connection and companionship to others. “It’s not village and vegetate; it’s village and activate,” says Renate, their enthusiastic conductress.
Bruce and Dorothy from Lakeside Retirement village founded a welfare group dedicated to supporting residents recovering from illness or injury. After Bruce’s passing, Dorothy has continued to lead the group with the same compassion and commitment they shared. She is also an active member of the Wyong Hospital Auxiliary, further extending her impact within the community. She, along with several other residents, knits garments that are sold in the hospital shop. They have also raised close to a million dollars for the hospital and she and her husband were honoured with volunteer certificates for their work a few years ago, which were presented by the Mayor of Lake Macquarie. "It makes us feel good to be able to look after people. There's still so much of life to enjoy," she says.
Brentwood Village on the Central Coast in NSW has an active group of 85 resident volunteers who put their heart and soul into helping the village and the wider community.
Learn more about the resident volunteering group at Brentwood Village.
One of the major benefits of volunteering is its ability to foster connections and social engagement. By participating in volunteer activities, seniors have the opportunity to meet new people, build friendships and strengthen their social networks. These connections are crucial for maintaining mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Ken is a resident of Keperra Sanctuary in Queensland. After retiring young and sadly losing his wife, he now finds solace and companionship through volunteering. He is helping out in the research area at a local hospital and also drives the train at the Roma Street Parklands. The knitting and craft group at Heathglen village in Victoria, a talented crew of residents, is part of the Werribee Ladies for Kids. They’ve been meeting at the village for about ten years now and it’s become a lovely little group. The knitters get together, have a laugh and really enjoy their time with one another; it’s as much about the company as it is about the knitting. Since Easter 2023, they’ve used their skills to raise over $175,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Volunteering often involves physical activities that help seniors stay active and improve their overall health. Whether it’s gardening, walking or participating in community events, these activities can enhance mobility, increase energy levels and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Staying physically active is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle as we age.
Susan serving residents at Rumours Café
After moving to Buderim Gardens and joining the resident committee as chairperson, Susan came up with the idea for for a café. With the help of other committee members and some funding to purchase equipment, the Rumours Café was born - and Susan stepped into the role of manager. “When we first started it nearly killed us in the first month and we thought ‘how are we going to do this?’” Susan says. “We’d hardly be able to walk out of there, being so sore at the end of the day. And now we sort of just laugh, because we’re obviously so much fitter.” More than three years later, the onsite café now serves between 50 to 70 people a day, three days a week, and is run by a roster of about 20 volunteer residents, some who are over the age of 80.
Volunteering gives seniors meaningful opportunities for never‑ending education and personal growth. Taking on new tasks keeps the mind active, while learning fresh skills or exploring new interests brings a real sense of achievement. It also allows seniors to pass on their own experience and expertise to others, something that’s both fulfilling and mentally stimulating.
One of the most rewarding parts of this involvement is the way volunteering helps bridge generational gaps. Initiatives such as intergenerational reading programs provide retirees the ability to share their love of reading with younger generations, fostering mutual understanding and respect. These interactions not only benefit the children but also provide retirees with a sense of accomplishment and joy.
The residents from the Waterford Valley Lakes and Port Phillip Village love taking part in the intergenerational programs held in their communities. Through EdConnect, a charity that links volunteers with students in lower socio‑economic primary and secondary schools, residents provide learning support and mentorship to young people who need extra guidance. With support from the Victorian Government’s Emerging Stronger Grant Program, EdConnect expanded its work into retirement villages, creating meaningful connections across generations. “Both groups benefit from the connection. It’s a win‑win,” says Rhonda Velkovski, Liaison Officer at EdConnect.
Residents at Rochford Place have taken the lead in creating their own intergenerational reading program.
Residents at Rochford Place have taken the lead in creating their own intergenerational reading program. Wanting to support local students, they reached out to Ropes Crossing Public School and the school eagerly embraced the idea.
After officially launched the program in October 2022, a few Rochford Place residents have been visiting the school weekly to help students from Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 5 build their reading skills. One of the volunteers, former primary school teacher Jean Ferrington, has spent much of her retirement helping young learners. “I have taught children for a long time and if there is a need and I can contribute, then I am happy to support. I’m having a wonderful time. I’m learning too — today’s school practices are all new to me, so the children are teaching me as much as I’m teaching them,” she says. The program has attracted wider attention as well with Channel 9 News visiting to share the story.
Seeing the positive impact of their contributions can significantly boost seniors’ self-esteem and confidence. Volunteering allows them to witness first-hand the difference they are making in their communities. This sense of accomplishment and recognition can enhance their self-worth and overall sense of wellbeing.
Wendy, a resident shared an endearing story of how she found her calling as a volunteer radio presenter. “Before moving to Brentwood Village, I was inspired by a radio segment featuring a retiree who found fulfilment volunteering as a presenter. Motivated by his story, I reached out to my local station and eventually landed my own radio show.” When she later moved into Brentwood Village, she discovered that the very person who inspired her was a resident at the village — a full-circle moment that speaks to the power of community and shared passions. Wendy, who has been volunteering with Radio 50 for over 14 years now, said, “Staying active and involved has kept me socially connected and energised.”
By embracing volunteering, seniors can enjoy these benefits and lead a more fulfilling, healthier and connected life.
For more information about the lifestyle and support offered at our retirement villages, call our customer service team on 1800 550 550 or send us an email here.
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