Julie Schneider, MSW, Director of Ombudsman Services for AgeUp
Retirement is a major life milestone. One day you are juggling meetings, deadlines, and a bottomless email inbox, and the next day you are wondering if you can wear pajama pants until noon without anyone noticing. For some, it is pure bliss. For others, it is a little unsettling. You may even find yourself asking, Now what? Without the structure and purpose of a daily job, it is easy to feel like your calendar and maybe even your sense of self just got a little too quiet. One of the most powerful ways to keep your health, happiness, and social life thriving in retirement is through volunteering.
And no, we are not just saying that because we run a volunteer program. The science truly backs it up. Research consistently shows that older adults who volunteer enjoy lower rates of depression and anxiety, improved cognitive function and memory (which means fewer “Why did I walk into this room?” moments), reduced risk of high blood pressure, fewer physical limitations over time, and even longer life expectancy.
Volunteering is not just about helping others, it is a genuine health investment in yourself. It gets you out of the house, keeps your mind sharp, introduces you to new people, and gives you a sense of purpose that rivals any paycheck. If you are looking for a role that is more than just stuffing envelopes or selling raffle tickets, becoming a Certified Long-Term Care Ombudsman might be your calling. Ombudsmen are trained advocates who visit nursing homes and assisted living communities to make sure residents are treated with dignity and respect. You will listen to concerns, investigate complaints, and help solve problems that affect people’s care, safety, and quality of life. No law degree is needed. No nursing background is required. What you do need is compassion, curiosity, a willingness to learn, and the courage to speak up for people who may not be able to speak up for themselves.
Many long-term care residents have no regular visitors. Some live with memory loss, disability, or deep isolation. A volunteer ombudsman might be the only outside voice who checks in on them. And here is the thing, sometimes just showing up is the most powerful statement you can make: You matter. You are seen. You have rights. At AgeUp, we train and support volunteers who want to bring more humanity into long-term care. Our next Ombudsman certification training is open for enrollment, and we would love to welcome you into our community of advocates.
Ready to find your purpose and maybe add a few extra years to your life? Your time, your voice, and your care can change someone’s life, including your own. Learn more about AgeUp volunteer opportunities or call us at (650) 780-5702.
Julie Schneider, MSW, is the Director of Ombudsman Services for AgeUp and has been managing volunteer ombudsman for over a decade. She is living proof that advocating for others keeps you young at heart.