Ask Dr. Marion

Dr. Marion (Marion Somers, PhD) is the author of “Elder Care Made Easier” and has more than 40 years of experience as a geriatric care manager, caregiver, speaker and expert in all things elder care. She offers practical tools, solutions, and advice to help caregivers everywhere through her book, website, iPhone apps (Elder 411/911), cross-country speaking tours, and more. Visit www.DrMarion.com for more information.

Dear Dr. Marion:

Where do you suggest my 80-year-old father can volunteer his time and experience? In his day, he was a highly respected banker, and he still has a lot to offer.

— Pete in South Carolina, 49

I’m glad you asked, Pete. Volunteering is a great way to keep your father active, engaged with the surrounding community, and interacting with new people. It will get him out of the house, give him a goal, provide structure, and create a real sense of accomplishment. It usually doesn’t even make a difference what the volunteer function is. Your father could volunteer at a hospital, in a school, at a local “Y,” be a big brother, a troop leader of boy scouts, lend a hand at the Red Cross, or just be an assistant to someone who needs help.

Given your father’s expertise in banking, maybe he can take local school children on bank tours or even mentor young bankers just getting started in the field. When an elderly individual volunteers time, knowledge, and experience, it usually results in more personal satisfaction than if he/she just gives money to a charity.