Seniors who enjoy an active lifestyle sometimes find it difficult to uncover opportunities to stay engaged in their community. And if they’ve relocated after retiring, it can be even harder to make connections. So here are four ideas to help them network:

1. Finding Volunteer Opportunities

Now that you’re retired, you have more time to dedicate to causes you believe in. If you’re thinking of volunteering, but you’re not sure where to start, look online for opportunities in your community and decide on one or a few that would be a good fit for you. Are you passionate about animal welfare? Signing up as a volunteer at your local rescue will be a great use of your time. Do you want to help underprivileged residents? Contact a soup kitchen or homeless shelter and ask them how you can be of use. Your local library is a great resource for finding such opportunities. You can also join local groups online and start making connections with like-minded people. Sharing experiences with others via social media will help you zoom in on volunteering options that best suit your lifestyle and talents.

2. Getting Past the Gatekeepers

Are you trying to keep working in your field even after you’ve retired, but you’re having a hard time getting your foot through the door of companies you want to collaborate with? If you’re using older methods to promote yourself, your résumé may not even end up on any recruiter’s desk. So refresh your existing CV and optimize it using keywords that will get you noticed and, most importantly, will pass the Applicant Tracking System. Headhunters are also looking at a candidate’s social media presence on top of their education, experience, awards, and accolades. So if you haven’t created an online profile on a professional networking site, now is the time to do it. Make sure you highlight all your accomplishments and go straight to the point as far as what you’re looking for in terms of post-retirement collaboration. And most importantly, know your worth before you even go in for an interview.

3. Launching Your Own Venture

Once you’re retired, you may be able to finally start that small business you’ve always wanted to own. Whether it’s a brick-and-mortar shop in the center of town or an online store, being your own boss can give you the financial freedom and security you’ve been looking for. But don’t just start selling your products or expertise without establishing a solid foundation first. Instead, pick a business structure that will provide liability protection as well as tax advantages, such as a limited liability company. If you need help starting an LLC in Arizona, use an online formation service that will guide you through the process step by step. And don’t forget to appoint a registered or statutory agent to be your point of contact at all times so that you can enjoy time away from your new business occasionally.

4. Reconnecting With Old Friends

Now that your kids have flown the nest and you have more time for yourself, you may be curious about your old schoolmates’ whereabouts or about former colleagues you’ve lost touch with after a relocation or a new career. Many seniors and retirees are active online, and you may be able to connect with them by sending them a quick message on their social media page. Type up the name of your alma mater in a search engine, and look for your classmates by entering the year you graduated. Visit professional social media platforms and check out the pages of the companies you worked for to find old colleagues. Then, organize a reunion to meet up in real life!

If you’re a senior wanting to stay active, look for networking opportunities through volunteering. You can also keep collaborating and sharing your expertise with companies in your field. And if the mood strikes, reconnect with old friends through social media platforms!

Guest author, Andrea Needham is the creator and editor at Elders Day. A lifelong writer, she created her website to share information and resources with other seniors who love living it up as they age.

Article Sources:

AgingInPlace.org (“How to Volunteer as Senior”)

SucceedSocially.com (“How to Find Events and Clubs in Your Community”)

NovoResume.com (“How to Write an ATS Resume”)

TheHartford.com (“Why Become an Encore Entrepreneur?”)

ZenBusiness.com (“Start an LLC in Arizona”)

kiwisearches.com/blog (“Find Classmates”)

CareerAddict.com (“Top 10 Professional Social Media Platforms – and Useful Tips”)

 

Published by:

Fred Coon, CEO

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