Best Volunteer Opportunities for Retirees Abroad 2025/26

There’s never a better time to volunteer abroad than once you reach retirement age. Suddenly, you have much more time on your hands, the nest is empty, and you’re wondering how you’re going to fill your days. Instead of picking up a new hobby or trying a sourdough starter for the hundredth time, why not do something more meaningful and volunteer abroad? 

Despite some thinking that volunteering is a young person’s game, there are plenty of programs suitable for people over 60. From teaching to conservation, Volunteering Solutions is more than happy to accommodate your needs and help turn your idea of volunteering into a reality in 2025 or 2026.  

Special Needs Care and Support in India

Experience the opportunity of volunteering in a Special Education Center, Skill Development Center, and Autism Center in India, and care for people of all ages with disabilities. Utilise your life experience to take care of children and nurture them towards skill development and enhancement, as well as working with families to support them through their loved one’s treatments and therapies. 

Volunteering for the Special Needs Care and Support program is incredibly rewarding for people of all ages. Your main responsibilities will include assisting staff with daily routines, teaching specialized skills to students, and devising new ways to improve their lives. One of the most important roles of this position is simply spending time with the children, offering them love, care and attention. 

The activity requirements of this opportunity are limited, with you working in one centre for six hours a day. You won’t have to travel far, and you’ll get at least an hour for lunch and rest, which is ideal for retirees. Your weekends are free for exploring (we highly recommend checking out the famous Taj Mahal in Agra!) or relaxing at one of the local eateries in Delhi. 

Women Empowerment Volunteer Program in Morocco

If you’re passionate about global issues and making a meaningful impact in gender equality, volunteering for the Women's Empowerment program is a wonderful choice. You’ll get the opportunity to work for some of the best non-governmental organizations (NGO) that dedicate themselves to women's rights issues and empowerment. 

While the government has been doing plenty to improve the lives of women in Morocco, many still live in poverty or are abused because of their gender. As a volunteer for this program, you’ll work with women to teach them skills, offer counselling and guidance for living well, and train them to use computers and improve their reading. The NGO will ask you to pitch in wherever it’s needed to make the most positive impact.

Weekdays are spent working, with days running from 10am to 5pm, with one hour for lunch. Again, physical activity is limited while volunteering, and you can take as many breaks as required. The weekends are free for exploring the wonderful world of Morocco, visiting the imperial city of Marrakech or the historic city of Fez. 

Teaching in South Africa

Teaching is a great way for retirees to volunteer their time, utilising their life experience and skillset to teach young people in other countries. This particular program takes you to South Africa, where you’ll assist qualified local teachers in educating and empowering children living in disadvantaged communities. 

Your main responsibilities will include participating in and leading primary, secondary, and nursery classes, planning lessons, and involving students in fun and engaging out-of-class activities. You will also work with local students and share your culture while learning about South African traditions and customs. Life is all about learning, and you might even leave with new skills and knowledge yourself! 

The daily work schedule starts at 8am and ends at 3pm with a two-hour lunch break in between. Activity is limited during the school day, and even during physical education, you often won’t be required to participate if you’re not comfortable. This program gives you the choice of staying with a host family or in a volunteer house, so you can choose your preferred accommodation instead of being assigned somewhere automatically. 

Sea Turtle Conservation in Sri Lanka 

Sea Turtle Conservation is an incredible opportunity to experience these wondrous animals up close. They’re endangered in many countries, including Sri Lanka, so your help is needed to protect these nesting animals through beach cleaning and the promotion of responsible tourism. 

Your responsibilities will include working in the hatchery and feeding the turtles, cleaning public beaches, and teaching local communities about marine conservation and how to protect nature. If you’re volunteering during nest season, you might even be able to camp overnight to protect the mother turtle and eggs from poachers! This is an amazing opportunity for any animal or wildlife lover. 

Your schedule will include working in the turtle hatchery between 1pm and 4pm on Monday to Wednesday, then beach cleaning or community programs from 9am to 12pm on Thursday and Friday. While this program requires slightly more physical activity, the shorter hours and free weekends offer plenty of time for R&R. 

Art Projects Volunteering Program in Ireland

If you’re interested in the arts and inspiring people all over the world through artistic expression, giving back to the community through the Arts Projects Volunteer Program in Ireland is a great place to start. Work at art centers, art festivals, and museums to get the population of Ireland excited about renowned paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Plus, you’ll get a unique insight into the Irish Arts sector yourself! 

As a volunteer for this program, your main role will be to assist in workshops and organise events with partner organizations. You’ll support social media advertising and help project staff to promote and run the events. This role is very admin-heavy with lots of time to appreciate art in between, so it’s ideal if you’re handy with a computer. 

The schedule runs between five and seven hours a day, although this might vary depending on what events are coming up. Weekends are free unless you’ve been asked to run a workshop or help with running an event, but if this happens, you’ll get another day off to explore the peaceful charm of Ireland. This is an ideal opportunity for retirees who are passionate about art or who want to pick up a new hobby to take into the rest of their golden years. 

Why You Should Volunteer Abroad as a Retiree

We know what you’re thinking: retirement is for relaxing, unwinding after a long time spent in the workforce, and settling down. But you couldn’t be more wrong! You’re only as old as you feel, and there are many benefits to volunteering later in life. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider volunteering: 

You Have More Free Time to Lend a Hand

Many volunteer opportunities run between one and 24 weeks, with shorter excursions being popular among younger volunteers as they navigate gap years and school breaks. However, once you’re retired, your schedule opens up to allow for longer, more meaningful experiences! 

Instead of rushing your journey and trying to squeeze exploring, cultural immersion, and making a lasting impact into just one or two weeks, you might find yourself considering the possibility of travelling for a few months. 

Volunteering is an Excellent Way to Make New Friends

Many adults find it difficult to make friends as they get older, especially once they’ve retired and no longer see people at work every day. Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet people from all walks of life and make lasting friendships to take with you back home. 

Work closely with a new group of people who share a common interest in making a positive difference. Learn from each other and share life stories, and swap contact details to stay in touch once you’re back home. You’ll be able to reminisce about your travelling adventures together for years to come. 

It’s a Wonderful Physical and Mental Health Booster

Volunteering abroad and seeing the world can make a huge difference in your health. Not only does travelling encourage a boost in physical activity, through walking and hiking to see the sights, but it also offers a workout for your brain, memory, and curiosity. 

Whether you’re picking up a new language in South America or learning how to input data for a Sea Turtle charity in Asia, volunteering does wonders for boosting brain power, keeping the body moving, and lowering stress levels. 

Use Your Life Experience to Your Advantage

One thing retirees have over younger volunteers is their life experience. Whether you realize it or not, so much of your life experience can be implemented into your volunteering performance to make a lasting, impactful difference. Something as simple as working as a manager in your previous role can help in your chosen country, so don’t discount your wealth of life experience! 

Ready to Plan Your Volunteering Journey? 

There’s no reason why retirees can’t volunteer abroad, as long as they’re in good health and ready to get stuck into worthwhile projects. Whether your passions lie with wildlife conservation or contributing to gender equality, there’s a project out there for you. If you’re concerned about age or agility being an issue, Volunteering Solutions is more than happy to help find practical solutions and offer advice. We offer 24/7 in-country support, so we’re always there when you need us. 

Check out our opportunities for seniors volunteering abroad and start your journey to a more fulfilling and rewarding retirement today.