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I’m worried about my 58-year-old husband who will be retiring in two years. He doesn’t have any hobbies outside of his job other than working in the yard or watching television. Personally, I would like both of us to get involved in some type of volunteer work after we retire but he doesn’t seem interested. Do you know of some good resources on volunteerism for people our age? I think if I can find the right opportunity he might get interested.

Looking Ahead

Dear Looking,

Volunteering is a great activity for social involvement as well as making a positive and satisfying contribution to your community. Ask your husband if he has any interest in improving his community, meeting new people, learning some new skills or helping change someone’s life for the better? If he says yes to any of these, he should try volunteering. Here are some things you should know.

Healthy Choice

There’s no doubt that volunteering is a good thing. Through volunteer service, you strengthen and improve the quality of life within your community You can also help yourself and others to live happier, healthier and more productive lives. Several studies suggest that seniors who volunteer regularly, live longer and have fewer medical problems.

Savvy Fact: Americans volunteer more in their mid-life years then in retirement.

Boom or Bust: The baby boom generation. Seventy seven million people born between 1946 and 1964, represents the largest pool of potential volunteers in our American history. But will they participate? Studies show that compared to their parents’ generation, the so-called “Greatest Generation,” boomers are much less connected to their communities and far less civically engaged, which means that boomers vote less, read newspapers less, are less apt to join churches or civic organizations and are less inclined to volunteer. One way to get uninterested people involved in volunteer activities is to let them know the vast opportunities that are out there and how they can help. Here are some great resources to help you find your niche.

Senior Corps: A national program administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service that helps older volunteers find volunteer assignments in their communities that best match their interest and talents. There are several programs under Senior Corps including: RSVP (Retired and Senior Volun-teer Program): One of the largest volunteer programs in the nation, that offers people 55 and over a diverse range of volunteer opportunities. Volunteers organize neighborhood watch programs, tutor children, renovate homes, teach English to immigrants, assist victims of natural disasters, and serve their communities in many other ways.

• Foster Grandparent Program: Links senior volunteers to children who need their help.

• Senior Companion Program: Places its volunteers with adults needing extra assistance to live in the community, such as frail older persons.

• Special Volunteer Program - Homeland Security: Offers activities to help make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any kind of disaster.

To learn what volunteer opportunities are available in your area visit www.volunteerfriends.org or www.seniorcorps.org, or call 800-424-8867.

1-800-VOLUNTEER

Provides a direct connection to dozens of local volunteer opportunities that match interests, skills, and the common desire to make a difference. Visit www.1-800-volunteer.org or call 1-800-VOLUNTEER (800-865-8683).

Volunteer Match

Offers an impressive list of volunteer opportunities posted by nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. Visit www.volunteermatch.org.

Network for Good

A nonprofit organization dedicated to help people get more involved in their communities - from volunteering and donating money, to getting involved with issues they care about. Visit www.networkforgood.org.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org.