By Barb Nadeau –
As senior citizens, we anticipate life in retirement. Let’s get on with it! Let’s travel and see the world! Far too often though, we hear of friends, colleagues, neighbors, who begin to experience failing health or even worse, they die prior to enjoying their life’s goals. Therefore, we sometimes wonder, fantasize, or bemoan our choices and chances on how we plan to spend our golden years.
If I were a financial wizard, I may have some words of wisdom to impart on how to make your millions match your longevity. Unfortunately, I have no such words of wisdom. I like to say that my millions are working, walking, and driving all over the Fox Valley. I put every cent I ever had into a life of adventures with my children. I have no millions to show, or with which to feather my nest. I only have the love I have given away to my own kids, the neighbor kids, and the charitable causes that I felt would build a better world.
Not to be bold or anything, but it is true. I spent my free time giving to volunteer causes that touched a chord in my life and that of my children.
Now nearing retirement age, I cannot say how many adults I have met who tell me that they never have volunteered. It flabbergasts me every time. I cannot imagine a life without volunteering. I cannot imagine a day without challenging myself and challenging my husband and family members to volunteer. Friends and neighbors can attest that I continue with old loyalties and am always taking on new causes.
My husband and I have our old favorites. One is Operation Snowball, a drug prevention and teen leadership program developed by Illinois teens. Another is the Boy Scouts of America, in which we have volunteered in many roles from den leaders to merit badge counselors, and from committee members to fundraising volunteers. Our church and other faith-based endeavors are high in our list. We have given a lot of time to presenting bible studies, as well as both adult and youth retreat and study programs.
We are not afraid to consider new challenges. My husband recently committed to two boards assisting a senior center and another which advises the fire district. In 2017, I ran and won the seat of Ward 1 alderman for the city of government Plano, and volunteered to join a community action board to help serve the needs of low-income people in my community.
What can you do? There are varieties of programs that need volunteers in your areas. Isn’t it time to discover a new passion, or to redevelop an old skill?
Could you help a senior get a ride to a needed doctor appointment? Can you serve a meal at a homeless shelter or at a senior center? Are you adept at arts and crafts? Do you dance or sing? Have you considered giving up a late night movie to help the PADS program offer shelter to the homeless? Could you help at a call center for individuals in crisis? Can you volunteer to call an isolated person through a sunshine call program? Are you good with numbers? Do you understand how to file taxes? AARP tax-aide program could use your help. The American Red Cross is always looking for volunteers. Your church, or another church nearby, is responding to a national emergency this week. Our veterans can use your assistance. The University of Illinois Extension Service has opportunities for volunteers in a variety of capacities too. Did you know that you could take classes to learn about native plants and animals and then pay that knowledge forward through the Illinois Extension Service Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs?
You may be wondering if any of these ideas are going to be a help to you. Absolutely they are! Better social engagement, a more active mind and body, and better health await you.
Are any of these ideas going to add a dollar to your pocket? Well, I do not know about that, but I can say without a doubt that you surely will be a richer person for them, and as a result, we all will be richer. What might be your resolutions?
Barb Nadeau is the community relations manager for the Voluntary Action Center of DeKalb County. Barb has worked in television, radio, and print as well as in volunteer coordination and networking amongst non-profit social service agencies. She is a freelance writer and television host. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.