Retired? Share Your Experiences

Older Americans compose a larger proportion of the United States’ population than ever before and the number of older Americans will continue to grow as the baby boom generation grows older and Americans continue to enjoy longer, healthier lives.

Active aging begins with having a positive attitude toward aging and toward life in general. Take stock of your strengths, shortcomings, resources, needs, fears and desires. Before you retire, set some goals for your retirement years.

Retirees are in an excellent position to volunteer. They not only have the time, but the experience, talents and expertise to help in a variety of activities. As you approach retirement, remember that you have a wealth of knowledge and wisdom from life experiences that you can share with others. Here are some ideas:

• Volunteer with the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). The N.C. Department of Insurance provides training with coordination by N.C. Cooperative Extension. SHIIP volunteers have helped save other seniors thousands of dollars in medical expenses.
• Volunteer in the schools, through the 4-H programs, serving as a mentor for selected students. Students have improved their test scores as a result of a relationship with an older adult in the classroom.
• Deliver meals to homebound elderly and others.
• Visit and call older persons, children and others who are sick or need a friend to listen.
• Assist and teach classes for Cooperative Extension clients and other groups. Training is provided.