Volunteering is Ageless: Getting Started

Last week we posted a blog about the power of being a Volunteer. Since then, we have had a tremendous number of inquiries asking about the best way to get started. We highly recommend starting out by volunteering on the local level. It is a way to get your feet wet, so to speak, REWIRE your thinking about the future, and better yet test market what kind of volunteer opportunity would be best for you. Some of the requests we had were for local level resources. Here are some tips on getting started:
*Check out the local charities in your area for opportunities.
*Try VolunteerMatch.com.
*See what local churches and synagogues are doing.
*Visit your local government website for neighborhood projects.

We live and work in New York City, and one of our favorite volunteer organizations is Health Advocates for Older People (Hafop.org). They are are partnering with the Volunteer Referral Center and representatives of several non-profit agencies to give potential volunteers information on getting started.

A panel of volunteer experts will be giving out information about a variety of opportunities and updating the audience on how to become engaged with a volunteer effort. Here is the info:
When: Thursday, May 3rd, 2012
Where: The Church of the Transfiguration, One East 29th Street, NYC
Time: 2-4pm. Light refreshments will be served.
RSVP or for further information: 212-889-4805.

Don't take our word for it. Find out for yourself how volunteering can change your life for the better as you help change the lives of others. Go for it!

A Secret to a Long and Happy Life!

What if I told you that I can give you one word that will lead to improving and extending your life and it won't cost you anything? Not only will you benefit but so will your family, friends and the community in which you live. Ridiculous, right? Also, the word will help you to make new friends, expand your contacts, improve your social and relationship skills. Sounds better doesn't it. But let's not stop there, we are only getting to the good stuff. You will stay healthier, more physically fit, alevieate chronic pain, stave off depression, lessen your risk for heart disease, and increase your ties to your community. I hear you saying, "this word has got to be the name of a miracle drug." Am I right?

Before I forget, the word will also improve your existing job skills and can even give you skills for a new job or career. The word can give you more and broader work experience. The word can even set you on a new course to more fulfilling work and in some cases a better paying job. I can hear you yelling now, "Stop. Tell me the word." Not so fast.

The word can also lead to people seeking you out for your wisdom and life experience. Now you are screaming, "Enough! I must know this word." OK. Put on your seat belt, get ready to listen and REWIRE your thinking about the future.

The word is VOLUNTEER. All the studies support the many positive results derived from rolling up your sleeves and helping others. Actually, you don't even have to roll up your sleeves. You just have to show up to a volunteer opportunity that gives you driver fulfillment and appeals to your interest and curiosity. It can be something big like world hunger or something small like cleaning up a neighborhood park. Needs are boundless and so are opportunities to make a difference.

We don't care what volunteer opportunity you pick. It could be the Red Cross, The Sierra Club, The Peace Corps, UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity, or your local homeless feeding program. The needs are great and by committing to improve the lives of others or the environment, you will improve your life in ways you could never imagine!

Get The Most Out Of "Coming of Age!"

We've all heard people say...act your age! Over the weekend I heard a Mom tell her 16 year old son who was "goofing" around to act his age, and at a wedding I heard the same woman tell her Father who was having a great time on the dance floor to act his age! Personally I thought that she was too uptight with both of them and her father did too and told her so! This idea of what it means to act your age has both personal and collective implications! The meaning to act your age for the 50+ person is evolving and I hope will continue to for years to come!

The concept of age, aging, getting older are all great topics for future blogs, but today I want to talk about a terrific website,"Coming of Age." Much of my work is involved with rewiring individuals and organizations to think and act differently about the future. I always have my eyes and ears open for new ideas to help people figure out What's Next In Their Life? If that sounds like you then this is the website to investigate.

If you need ideas about pathways and possibilities to help you explore your future, (two topics near and dear to my own heart! ) then this is a great spot for you as you take your journey!

If you have time to give back and want to learn how and where to contribute , you'll get some thought-provoking ideas. If you are an organization and want to better understand what is on the mind of the 50+ person when it comes to giving back to the community, then immediately get to the site and get inspired and armed with action tools!

Do I sound excited about this site, I am! The site delivers. As their tag -line says--"It's about capturing the talent and energy of people 50+!"

So if you are ready to rewire®, or just thinking ahead or ready for a change, then check out Coming of Age! Go for it and DON'T let your age get in the way of pursuing a new idea or two!