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Retired? Here Are 5 Gives You Can Do As A Retiree That Will Make You Happy

Giving every day is not just for kids, families, schools and young adults. If you are retired you can reap even more benefits from giving every day. A large body of research reports on the increased mental and physical benefits volunteering has on seniors and retirees. Personal stories support the research with people stating they feel better, have an new purpose and feel more connected within their communities.

But volunteering is not for everyone. We understand that. But what if we said, completing one give every day also increases your sense of well being, decreases feelings of isolation, and can increase your overall health with one small give a day. We are huge supporters of volunteerism, but know that finding the right place, finding the courage to offer your skills, budgeting the transportation costs for volunteer endeavors can be more than some of us can handle. IF these are some or one of your challenges, try giving once a day and see if it you feel and witness an increase in well being not only within yourself but those who you give to.

5 Easy Gives For Retirees – Happiness Starts Here When You Are Retired

    1. Pick up the phone and call a friend or family member to see how they are. You don’t need an excuse, nor a reason. Just call and say hey, just wanted to see how you are doing. They will love that you thought of them today and that you cared enough to call and just check in.
    2. Share gratitude. Write down 3 things you are grateful for. Take it one step further and tell someone else why you are grateful for them.
    3. Start a book swap outside your house or apartment door. People love books, and I bet you have some books in the house that you have read and might never read again. Share them.
    4. Go for a walk and pick up some garbage. This is my dad’s favorite give and he does it every day. He walks in his local park and picks up one small bag of garbage on his walk. 15 minutes or 30 minutes, you decide, but it just takes a bit of time, and a little walk to help the planet
    5. Donate something to a thrift shop. If you find that you are not using your old work clothes, or have an abundance of clothes you really dont wear any more, donate them. My retired friends donated most of their suits and office wear to not for profits that give employee training. The work clothes you no longer use could help someone else plant the perfect job. One of my friends who worked as a landscaper donated his outdoor wear so someone else starting out had the right clothes, work gloves and basic tools to start up their landscaping job. Awesome!

If you take a look around, or take a look at our daily giving lists, there are lots of small daily gives you can do as a retiree to make the world, and your world, a better place. Change happens when everyone participates, and what a wonderful way to enjoy your new freedom by giving back and to your self every day.

Sign up for your free individual membership at 365igve and see the difference you make. It just might inspire you to share your life stories and skills further in a volunteer position. You just never know where giving and happiness will take you.

 

What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
“My life has greater meaning now.”
Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
“I just wanted to share that 365give really helped me. I am a better person now, thank you.”
MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)