Volunteering for over 50s
Whether as a break from the job or after the end of working life: people with a lot of life and work experience are with you Voluntary service abroad a special enrichment! We at RGV are very pleased that more and more people in their prime are feeling the need to volunteer abroad. Our programs for over 50s are ideally suited for all those who want to try something completely new and contribute their wealth of experience in a meaningful and sustainable way - whether as a working person or a pensioner!
Note: Both in consultations and in our documents, we use a familiar “du” as a form of address. In this way we quickly build a trusting and personal relationship. If you prefer a more formal address, that is of course no problem - please let us know your request right at the beginning of the contact.
Is there an age limit for participating in volunteer projects?
There is usually no fixed age limit for participating in our volunteer opportunities abroad. If you are fit enough, you can theoretically still do volunteer work abroad at the age of 99. One solid basic fitness is, however, a crucial requirement.
Many of our projects take place in countries with a different level of development, climate and lifestyle. Therefore it is important at the travel planning to take into account the conditions in the respective destination country: a tropical climate, for example, can lead to increased physical exertion. In some of our target countries, tougher living conditions and a comparatively lower standard of living are also relevant criteria that you should consider when choosing a location and project.
Popular projects
Zimbabwe | wildlife
from 2 - 12 weeks
from 18 years
Nepal | community work
from 4 - 21 weeks
from 16 years
Nepal | Social & Teaching
from 4 - 20 weeks
from 18 years
Everything you need to know about volunteering for older people
Volunteer work for volunteers 50 plus (both professionals and seniors) is possible in almost all areas. However, there are also isolated exceptions, such as our wildlife project in Namibia.
Requirements
Solid physical fitness and a good knowledge of English (or French/Spanish) are prerequisites for working optimally with the teams at the assignment sites. If you are unsure about your language skills, you can also book a language course with us. In addition, you should of course be highly motivated, flexible and interested in the culture of your host country.
Travel dates and length of stay
With flexible volunteer work, we offer you maximum freedom. In other words: In most cases you set your departure date and the duration of your stay yourself and you can easily extend them. In order to arrange your placement in the respective project without any problems, you should register at least three months before your planned departure, if possible.
entry requirements
Each destination country is subject to different entry requirements. Sometimes the visa is issued directly upon arrival, sometimes it has to be applied for in advance in Germany. We will advise you comprehensively on the visa application.
On-Campus Support
Each project location has its own Team, which will help you to get used to and adapt to the new circumstances. In addition, the team members give useful tips for coping with your everyday life and are also your local contacts for all other topics.
Accommodation for the elderly in our destination countries
Naturally, the wishes differ standard of accommodation from phase of life to phase of life. During their stay abroad, our younger volunteers usually live in a volunteer house with shared rooms or in a double room with a host family. For older volunteers over 50 we offer an upgrade in accommodation: Usually you can choose between a single room with a host family or your own apartment.
Each form of accommodation has its advantages and disadvantages: While you can enjoy complete privacy in the apartment after a fulfilling day, things are a little livelier in the host family. It is not uncommon for smaller children to be in the household. The advantage of living in a local family is the proximity to everyday life on site. You get deeper insights into everyday life in your target country and enjoy the family company. The choice of accommodation is a matter of taste and therefore always an individual decision.
The accommodation upgrade is available at an additional cost, which varies depending on the country of destination and choice of accommodation.
Areas of activity and projects
Basically, we distinguish between the following areas in volunteer work:
- Social & Teaching
- Medicine & Nursing
- Animals & Wildlife
- Environment & Climate
- Handcraft
- Sport
- Creative & Community
As a rule, we offer participation for a minimum of two or four weeks. In the social area, especially when working with children, however, longer participation of at least two to three months makes sense.
Professional advice at RGV
From the initial idea to the planning, the stay on site and, if necessary, after your return: we are at your side with advice and action in all phases of your stay abroad.
We support you in your search for a suitable field of activity for your volunteer work abroad. Whether you're retired or taking a break from work - you're sure to find the right volunteer project for you! Please inform us in advance about your skills and wishes so that we can give you the best advice. You are also welcome to visit us directly in our Munich office for personal advice.
Do you have questions about the topics Sabbatical and Skilled volunteering with RGV? Then send us a non-binding Enquiry or just call! We would be happy to advise you individually and recommend projects that fit your wishes, needs and plans!
