Older adults can benefit their communities and themselves through volunteer work. As life expectancy increases and birth rates fall in Europe, more older adults will need to or choose to work part-time or volunteer after retirement. Volunteering can provide benefits like improved physical and mental health, stronger social connections between generations, and a sense of purpose for older adults. While informal volunteering by older adults is common in Romania, there is little formal volunteering opportunities. More should be done to encourage volunteering as a way for elderly to stay active and involved in their communities.

1. Older adults engaged as volunteers Assistant Ramona Bran University of the West Timisoara [email_address]