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Illustration by Drew Shannon
I am now part of a group in society that I hadn’t realized I was joining. I’m one of the recently retired, mixing with the longer-time retired. They are taking me in, accepting me. At my local public pool at 9 in the morning in the changing room, I engage in conversations about the aqua-fit classes, the problems of shower temperature, the weather, the grandkids – but I don’t actually have grandchildren, nor am I in those aqua-fit classes – yet! I’m merely at the pool swimming during what used to be my regular working hours, instead of at 7 in the morning. The older and sometimes grey-haired women in the changing rooms see me as one of them, which has come as a mild shock. But really, it’s my problem!
The transition to retirement is meant to be a move to the promised land of travel and relaxation – well, to coffee and a muffin at the coffee shop any time of day, at least. Friends assured me that I would find it might take all morning just to read the paper, and that this is okay. That part is sometimes true, but I’m finding the journey to building a schedule and continuing to find purpose as I start retired life takes some effort.
I’ve signed up to work as a volunteer. Little did I know that this would entail spending numerous hours over several days completing forms to build my volunteer online portfolio. I’ve had my police record, my driving record, my vaccine record and my work history checked. I’ve also asked friends to act as references for me. I have even gone for a tetanus shot, as required by one organization. This is all in the pursuit of contributing to society as a senior. Don’t get me wrong, I have the time and wish to do this, but was naively unaware that this modern version of volunteering has become a goal that requires digital literacy, patience and quite a few hours of orientation to whichever organization you are joining.
I began my volunteer journey easily, signing up for shifts at the 2022 Vancouver Writers Festival, which involved some training and background checks, but this experience was all over within a week or two. It was a pleasure to bike down to Granville Island and mingle with the festival attendees, meet authors and chat with the other volunteers. I spoke with several folks who regularly do the round of festivals and seasonal volunteering. They clearly enjoy and feel a sense of fulfilment from their involvement in these events. It seems certain that the role of a volunteer is essential to keeping our beloved annual arts and performance festivals going. I had done this kind of volunteering before, and always enjoyed it, but it’s more of a once-a-year event, not part of the weekly schedule that I am building.
Next came the smorgasbord of options to consider for longer-term volunteering, including some that might utilize my many years of work experience. The possibilities seem endless – working with new immigrants, at hospitals, with wildlife, at a museum or art gallery, just to name a few. To pick something entirely new or go with what I know was the next big decision. Other recent retirees gave me their opinions. In the end, I have picked one of each. I’m now just about through the application and orientation process, so that I can begin to really participate and, I hope, contribute to these two organizations.
Don’t get me wrong: I’m glad to see that due process is followed to ensure that the volunteers are properly trained and carefully selected. I’m appreciative of the time and effort that is put into setting up systems to ensure they have committed and responsible volunteers. I am, however, wondering if the required digital literacy is a barrier to some seniors who might be considering volunteering.
My neighbourhood is now, as my offspring point out regularly, full of 65-plus folks. The young (my kids again) have all migrated to more interesting or perhaps just more affordable areas of the city. My block includes some active retired people, out jogging, biking and gardening, who are very neighbourly and also volunteer in various ways. One neighbour leads outdoor walks for seniors; one spends a lot of time helping with her grandchildren. Another hosts block parties and helps with our Neighbourhood Watch. In my newly retired state, still somewhat busy with mom-care and dog-care for my son, it was a surprise to be invited to join a couple of the neighbourhood seniors for drinks in the summer. I’m just not that old, I thought. Somehow, I continue to trick myself into believing that as I’m just 65, and not really grey-haired yet, I can’t possibly be part of this crowd.
My birthday – and the big 66 – are creeping ever-nearer. It might be time to admit that I’m one of them. I need to embrace these days of walks with friends, time to bake, walk the dog, socialize with the neighbours and, presumably, do some weekly volunteer shifts. While a portion of my first year of retirement has involved travel and family responsibilities, I can see that the recipe for a happy, fulfilling life as a senior requires a mix of pleasure and purpose. Volunteering, in whatever forms it may take, could provide that. Maybe this will help me embrace the group that is welcoming me.
Joyce White lives in Vancouver.