Volunteering is one of the most meaningful ways to stay connected, contribute to your community, and support causes that matter to you.

For many older adults and retirees, it can also bring a renewed sense of purpose. After years in the workforce, volunteering offers structure, social connection, and the satisfaction of making a difference—without the pressures of a full-time job. It can help reduce isolation, build new relationships, and support overall well-being.

But like any role, volunteering comes with its own challenges—and understanding them can help make the experience more positive for everyone involved.

One of the most common challenges is navigating boundaries. Volunteers play an essential role in organizations, but they are not staff, managers, or decision-makers in the same way they may have been in their professional lives.

This can be an adjustment—especially for people who previously held leadership roles.

Your experience and skills are valuable. Many organizations rely on volunteers with leadership backgrounds to guide committees, support planning, or contribute to boards. At the same time, volunteering works best when everyone is treated as an equal and when expectations remain realistic.

When boundaries become blurred—such as expecting others to perform at a professional level, or taking on too much control—it can create tension and take away from what makes volunteering meaningful. In some cases, it may even discourage others from continuing to participate.

A helpful way to approach volunteering is to focus on collaboration rather than control. Being part of a team, sharing ideas, and supporting one another often leads to a more positive and sustainable experience.

It’s also important to remember why you chose to volunteer in the first place. Volunteering should feel rewarding—not stressful. If it begins to feel like an unpaid job, it may be a sign to step back, reset expectations, or explore a different role.

If you’re thinking about volunteering, or already involved, a few simple approaches can help:

• Be clear about your role and responsibilities
• Respect the time and contributions of other volunteers
• Stay open to different perspectives and ways of doing things
• Choose opportunities that match your interests and availability
• Check in with yourself—does this still feel meaningful and enjoyable?

There are many ways to get involved in your community. Organizations like Volunteer Canada can help you explore opportunities that match your interests, skills, and schedule.

Volunteering is a gift—to the community, and to yourself. With the right balance of commitment, respect, and flexibility, it can remain a source of connection, purpose, and enjoyment for years to come.

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Dr. David Campbell is the Ethicist with the Kingston Health Sciences Centre and is affiliated with Queens University where he teaches a practicum in clinical ethics and teaches ethics to Queens University medical students and residents.

He has a PhD in Philosophy from McMaster University and a Fellowship in Clinical Ethics from the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, AB. He has been an ethicist in hospitals in Alberta and California and has previously taught courses at McMaster University, the University of Waterloo, and Conestoga College.