Senior Planet News: Join Us!

Every April, we celebrate National Volunteer Month, a time to highlight the impact of giving back. Roughly 75.7 million Americans volunteer through organizations each year. Older adults are leading the charge with those 65+ contributing 28.6% of all volunteer hours in the U.S. ! 

It’s easy to see why. Volunteering offers more than a sense of purpose. Studies show that helping out for just a few hours a week can slow age-related brain decline by 15% to 20% and lower the risk of high blood pressure. Between social connection and mental activity, volunteering helps participants live longer, more fulfilled lives…and if you volunteer at Senior Planet, you can help your peers, too.    

Here are a few ways to get involved with Senior Planet: 

Help with Online Classes  

Got a fave tech topic you’d like to share?  Each Tuesday, at 1:30pm ET, our “Lunch & Learn” discussion group invites participants to lead presentations on tech-related topics they enjoy. Share your interest in leading a session here. 

Want to support your favorite online class?   If presenting isn’t your thing, you can support online classes as a co-host. Volunteers help manage Zoom sessions and keep classes running smoothly. Learn more and apply here. 

 “I enjoy volunteering with Senior Planet because I get to start my day with a joyful community of people who prioritize their physical and mental health. I’m proud to support programs that are accessible to anyone looking to exercise their body and mind.” 

-Maureen M. 

Help In-Person 

Prefer an in-person role? You can co-host classes at your local Senior Planet center (list is here). You might also help with one-on-one or small group tech support or spend time at the front desk welcoming people as they arrive. Contact us to learn more about local opportunities. 

Help Spread the Word  

If you love Senior Planet’s programs and want to make sure other seniors know about this free resource, we have a few different ways you can help spread the word in your community. You can hang flyers, recruit survey participants, or join the Recruitment and Advisory Committee! Click here to learn more and sign up for any of these self-led opportunities. 

For a full list of ways to get involved, visit our volunteer page: https://seniorplanet.org/volunteer.  

Donate to Help Older Adults Stay Connected   

Older adults across the country rely on Senior Planet for the training and support they need to navigate an increasingly digital world. From online safety to managing finances to connecting with loved ones, our programs empower people to live more confident, independent, and connected lives.    

With the right tools and training, older adults can live fuller, more joyful and more dignified lives. Your gift right now can be the spark of change that’s needed. Click here to give! 

Your Turn 

If you’re a Senior Planet volunteer, share your story in the comments!  

Nicole Alcime is the Senior Manager of Virtual Program Experiences for Senior Planet from AARP. Since joining in 2022, she has helped manage Senior Planet’s online programs. Nicole is based in New Jersey and enjoys reading in her free time, with Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers being one of her favorite books.