Area Agency on Aging To Launch “Give 5”, A Civic Volunteer Matchmaking Program for Retirees
(Joplin, MO) – Years ago, the word retirement might have evoked images of white-haired couples sitting in rocking chairs on their front porches. But with men and women living longer and enjoying better health into their later years, retirement has become an extremely active phase of life where retirees are able to channel their passions into purpose.
The first wave of baby boomers turned 65 in 2011, and today approximately 10,000 boomers turn 65 every single day in America. Those retiring boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) are an army of talent with experience, expertise, passion and for the first time in their lives … time.
The Joplin area, like any other community, has a large and growing need for skilled volunteers and volunteer leadership – at non profits and charities, at schools and learning institutions and in public service roles.
Volunteering (especially among boomers and older people) can increase energy, decrease depression, lessen isolation and even lower mortality rates. Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warns that the greatest public health threat is not what most people might expect – it’s not heart disease or cancer – it’s isolation and the effects from being socially disconnected.
United Way of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas and Area Agency on Aging Region X will host a joint press conference to announce the launch of the Give 5 Program in Southwest Missouri. The press conference will be held in the Community Room of the Joplin Public Library on Wednesday, February 8th at 11:00 AM.
Give 5 is a civic matchmaking program that connects current and soon-to-be retirees age 55 and older with meaningful volunteer opportunities that best fit their skill sets and passions. Participants learn about the most challenging problems facing their communities and uncover ways they can help make a difference in addressing those social and systematic issues.
Give 5’ers help out in a variety of social impact areas, from education to healthcare to poverty. They bring tremendous work ethic and a lifetime of experience solving problems and navigating complex issues. The inaugural class will begin in March. Southwest Missouri residents ages 55 and older that are interested in being part of the first class should call either organization to get me information or complete the simple application.