There’s another option — one that can make you feel you’re doing something meaningful, and at the same time you can pass along all the things you’ve learned over the years. We’re talking about mentoring, taking a younger person under your wing and teaching them the ropes.
Mentoring is a volunteer program, but with a difference — it’s more intimate and personal. It’s also goal oriented. It’s not just about empathy and kindness, filling in where needed. It’s about developing an on-going relationship with a novice or young person and taking them down the path so they can lead successful lives. Mentoring also offers a great opportunity to connect with younger people, and that will keep you young.
These programs work like an artificial grandparent/grandchild relationship. You’re matched with a young person with whom you meet regularly, either in person or by the internet, and help them with whatever is called for — homework, applying for college, or just paying attention to the details of their lives. Mentors can also prepare younger people for their professional careers and help them set up career goals. These programs are particularly valuable for high-risk kids, but even colleges are turning to older adults to mentor their graduates through the process of finding a job and career.