9 Reasons You Should Volunteer Abroad Over 50

We're here to help you find meaningful volunteer work abroad

Retirement and the launch of your golden years. It’s what we’re all striving toward, and you’ve finally made it—way to go! Or maybe you’re still a few years out from hitting those glorious years where you’re not clocking in for a 9 to 5, but you’re still interested in learning more.

How about volunteering in meaningful programs abroad? Whether you have a lot of free time on your hands or you’re already dreaming about what to do during retirement, it’s never too early to start thinking about the opportunities available.

You’ve finally made it to retirement, but the idea of just relaxing is giving you anxiety. Our solution? Volunteer abroad.

Picture this: there you are, scrolling through your social media feed when another photo of your child’s adventure abroad pops up. You keep scrolling, and what do you see? A former co-worker is back from their trip abroad – for the third time this year! While their pictures are hopefully meant to share their experience, and not inspire envy, it’s hard to not feel curious about their adventure and hope to have a similar one.

Rather than gallivanting around the world to collect photos of the most beautiful beaches or UNESCO World Heritage sites, why not bring some meaning into your travel by volunteering?

Why volunteering abroad after 50 is worth considering

Here are eight fun and inspiring reasons to dive into opportunities for retirees, along with tips to help you find the perfect adventure that matches your skills, passions, and curiosity.

1. You Have A Lot to Offer

When you look back on your career, what do you see? Were you a stellar manager? A creative who inspired others on the daily? A small business owner who learned how to stick it out and make it work? Maybe you taught in a classroom, were a leader in your community, or participated in a religious group. No matter what you’ve done in the past, you can turn that experience into a valuable asset for your future as a volunteer.

While you may be saying to yourself that this is for younger people who have the energy and enthusiasm, you should also say that they’re lacking something you’ve got in spades – experience. Difficult teams or co-workers? You’ve been there. Navigating complicated project design and implementation? You thrived on it. Tap into your vast fount of practical knowledge and put it to good use for your global community.

You can start by picking a country, like Morocco or the Philippines, or maybe you’d rather choose what to do by sector, like nursing or organic farming. Remember, energy and enthusiasm can be conjured – real experience can’t be replicated.

Our Online Advisor can match you with volunteer programs that fit your skillset!

Why should the kids have all the fun? You should go on your own adventures!

2. You Have the Time

How did it feel when you turned in your notice for the last “real” job you will ever have? (No really, we want to know - Please describe it in the comments below or send us a message!). We can imagine it felt great, but also a little full of uncertainty. Maybe you’d been planning this era of your life for years and had a laundry list of must-dos to accomplish. Maybe you put off planning until you had the time. Regardless, now that you’re here, time is no longer a barrier.

You can test the waters with a shorter-term program, such as one to two months or even one to two weeks, and if you like it, you can always try a longer program. Maybe you’ll jet off to another country in the region after your short-term program, or maybe a different continent entirely!

3. You Are Needed

Not to get sappy, but there are people and organizations out there waiting for someone like you to support their work. If you’ve been contributing to a favorite charity for years, imagine giving them something even more precious, like your time. Volunteering abroad puts you right on the front lines, seeing exactly where your efforts make a difference, and making the experience even more rewarding.

4. It’s Time to Brush Off Those Old Language Skills

You might not get to use those random phrases still tucked away in your memory during your experience, but there are likely a few gems from your high school or college language classes waiting to make a comeback. Volunteering abroad is the perfect chance to bring them out, test them with locals, share a few laughs, and pick up plenty of new phrases to add to your collection.

5. The Real Life Adventure is Better Than the Movie

International adventures aren’t just for the movies or books; they’re even better in real life. Volunteering abroad gives you the chance to write your own script, filled with meaningful connections, new skills, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. You might channel your inner Eat, Pray, Love in Italy, India, or Indonesia, or venture to a dream destination that’s never graced the big screen. Along the way, you’ll swap postcards for real conversations, trade movie sets for bustling markets or quiet villages, and create stories worth telling for years to come.

You’ve got years of experience and a toolkit that is the envy of all your neighbors, so check out some construction volunteer projects!

6. Your Nest is Empty, So Maybe You Should Head Out Too

If you’re searching for empty-nester activities, you’ve come to the right place. You may be having to adjust to a new normal as your children begin to lead their own, independent lives, and that’s not easy. For the past 20 to 25 years, if not more, your life probably bounced to a rhythm dictated by children depending on you. While they may still be somewhat dependent on you, they’re no longer in your home nor have (as much of) an influence on your daily routine. So shake the dust off your passport and start preparing for your next adventure.

7. You Will Expand Your Social Network

Sure, maybe you’ve been trying to trim down your holiday card list - and that’s fair! Luckily, the friends you make while abroad probably aren’t waiting by the mailbox for your annual update anyway. From warm-hearted locals to fellow expats and adventurous silver foxes, these connections are all about sharing moments in real time, swapping stories, and creating memories you’ll treasure long after your trip.

8. Travel is Healthier Than You Think

Travel isn’t just a treat for the soul - it’s actually great for your health, too. For those over 50, exploring new destinations can boost brain power, lower stress, and keep the body moving in all the right ways. Whether you’re navigating cobblestone streets in Europe, hiking through cloud forests in Costa Rica, or just learning how to say “hello” in Swahili, your mind stays active and engaged. It’s like a workout for your curiosity and your memory all at once.

Plus, travel naturally encourages a more active lifestyle. You’ll be walking more, trying new foods, and keeping a flexible schedule, which can all support heart health and mobility. Not to mention, the joy of new experiences gives your mood a natural lift. No prescription needed. So go ahead and pack your bags. Your health will thank you for it.

The nest is empty, so what are you waiting for? Find your perfect volunteer program and start making your Golden Years count!

3 best volunteer abroad programs for older adults

These top programs for older adults prove that travel after 50 can be just as exciting, rewarding, and full of surprises as ever. Pack your bags and your curiosity, because the world is ready to welcome you.

1. Teach English in Costa Rica with IVHQ

There are a host of English teaching opportunities in and around the most metropolitan area of beautiful Costa Rica. This lively capital city offers the chance to teach and tutor both younger students and adult learners. You can also conduct your own workshops while working hand in hand with local teachers.

2. Wilderness Conservation in Sibuya with Sibuya Wilderness Experience

If you're passionate about wildlife and conservation, the Sibuya Wilderness Experience offers a hands-on volunteer program in South Africa. Over two to four weeks, you’ll join daily efforts on a Big Five game reserve, hike coastal dunes, tag fish on a river cruise, and explore Addo Elephant National Park—all while staying in a lodge surrounded by nature.

3. Women Empowerment with Volunteer in India

Volunteer in India and support women and children through education and skills training. Help teach English, join fun workshops like stitching or henna art, and lend a hand with childcare. No experience needed. Plus, you’ll enjoy local meals, cozy housing, and a cultural tour of colorful Jaipur.

Here's to volunteering overseas for soon-to-be-retirees!

There are countless reasons to jump into volunteering abroad, and we have only scratched the surface with eight. Whether you are dreaming of an adventure in New Zealand or ready to share your social work expertise, your next, or even first, international journey is just a click away.

Maybe a National Geographic story sparked your wanderlust. Maybe you want to revisit a favorite travel spot and give back this time. Or maybe you are simply craving an adventure with a dash of altruism. Whatever calls you, we hope you find a program that is the perfect fit and makes retirement everything you imagined and more. You might even turn those golden years into platinum!