BY BONNIE LEE STRUNK

Special to The Press

It’s a myth: bored senior citizens are sitting at home day after day in front of their televisions or computer screens, venturing out mainly for numerous medical appointments.

That picture certainly does not fit most of the retirees I know.

As an active volunteer myself for several organizations, I encounter older adults involved in meaningful volunteer work almost daily.

Why do they do it?

One friend said he was used to being busy and now has an abundance of time on his hands since he retired.

Another said volunteering was her way of doing something useful and giving back to the community.

Research has shown that seniors who use their time, compassion and expertise to reach out and help worthy organizations or the less fortunate derive the joy of giving.

By continuing to contribute to society, these folks are happier, healthier and more satisfied overall with their lives.

Their interests and skills are not put on a shelf and forgotten; they are being utilized in new ways to benefit others.

Volunteering can ease the transition from employment to retirement by providing the feelings of identity, self-worth and usefulness that had been found previously in the workplace.

In addition, volunteer activities usually provide social contacts, which can help to overcome the loneliness and boredom that sometimes plague older adults.

Whatever interests or abilities an older person might possess, he or she can parlay them into volunteer work.

Friends interested in antique vehicles, for example, are volunteering at a local transportation museum.

Two former teachers are mentors to academically-challenged students in inner-city schools. A retired librarian teaches English to refugees.

Another friend volunteers at a local food bank, while yet another serves meals to the homeless in a soup kitchen. A retired woman I know types her church’s newsletter each month. Others teach Bible classes.

Good listeners are ideal for telephone assurance programs or friendly visits to shut-ins.

Quite a few retirees volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program, delivering both food and fellowship to older people in their homes.

At the local senior center, some elders volunteer to teach classes to their peers - everything from photography to card games to dancing to arts and crafts.

Folks who worked in retail and like sales often volunteer in hospital gift shops.

Several older friends who are still energetic and active in the community frequently visit nursing homes to provide musical entertainment for the residents.

Other retirees visit nursing facilities to transport wheelchair-bound residents, read to those who can no longer see, distribute books and candy, and just sit and chat.

Some people may be volunteers and not even realize it, because they are not working in a structured environment.

For example, retirees who provide transportation to the store or the doctor for someone who does not drive are indeed volunteers.

Or perhaps they take meals or groceries to a homebound neighbor, or they organize a clothing drive for the needy.

All this activity is valuable volunteer work that helps others and improves our communities.

Far from being passive, countless older volunteers are being productive by using their time, skills, interests and generosity to provide vital services that benefit many.

Volunteering is much more than helping others, however.

As many volunteers can attest, sharing our time and talents lets us remain engaged with the world after retirement and greatly enriches our own lives, as well.