Choosing Volunteer Work That Fits Your Personality, Why More Older Adults Are Seeking Therapy, and Whether to Take Your 2026 RMD Early

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Volunteer work is most satisfying when it feels natural — not draining or forced. Later in life, many people have the freedom to choose opportunities that genuinely suit who they are, rather than what looks good on a resume. Matching volunteer work to your personality often makes the difference between something you tolerate and something you look forward to.

Start by paying attention to what gives you energy rather than drains it. If you enjoy conversation and variety, volunteer opportunities such as greeting visitors at a museum, helping at a community center desk, or assisting with events may feel engaging. If you prefer quieter focus, tasks like sorting donations, preparing materials, gardening, or working behind the scenes often feel more satisfying.

Some volunteer roles are people-heavy; others are task-focused. Teaching, mentoring, or working with the public involves frequent interaction and quick responses. In contrast, roles like archival work, kitchen prep, or maintaining spaces allow contribution without constant conversation. Neither is better — the fit is what matters.

Personality also shows up in how you handle schedules. Some people thrive with set shifts and clear expectations, such as weekly roles or fixed hours. Others prefer flexible opportunities that allow them to simply step in when they can. Choosing the wrong structure can make even meaningful work feel burdensome.

Certain volunteers enjoy coordinating, organizing, or problem-solving on the spot. Others prefer clearly defined tasks they can complete independently. Be honest about what feels comfortable now. Choosing a role that respects your limits often leads to longer, more enjoyable involvement.

You don’t need to commit long-term right away. Trying a role for a short period allows you to notice how it feels. Do you leave feeling satisfied or depleted? That response is valuable information.

Volunteer work doesn’t need to be impressive to be important. When the role suits your personality, consistency comes easily — and consistency is what organizations value most.

The Quiet Five Minutes Before Dinner
From the life overview of Patrick O., 90, Savannah, Georgia. Shared with permission.

Every evening before dinner, there was always a brief stretch of time when the house seemed to pause. The cooking was finished, and the table was nearly set. Everyone appeared to be somewhere between one activity and the next.

When the children were young, that pause didn’t usually last long. Someone would run through the room, either looking for a missing shoe or asking when dinner would be ready. A chair scraped across the floor, or a cabinet door opened and closed again.

Still, for a few minutes, the day seemed to gather itself.

I often stood near the stove during that time, not doing much besides waiting. The kitchen smelled warm and familiar, with the sounds of the house drifting in from different directions.

Year later, when the kids grew up, dinners at the house became quieter. I noticed that those quiet few minutes still arrived, though. Even when I was cooking for only one or two people, the same calm interval appeared.

It’s a small moment, and one that’s easy to overlook. But it reminds me that every day contains a natural pause before the next chapter begins.

***

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Smithsonian Open Access
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The New Yorker – The Writer’s Voice Podcast
In this podcast, authors read their own short stories from the magazine, offering a more intimate connection to the work. The readings are unhurried, and the stories often linger in the mind afterward. It’s well suited to a quiet afternoon or an evening when you want something thoughtful but contained.

Book of the Day: Sisters of Fortune
by Anna Lee Huber
Set against the backdrop of the Gilded Age, this novel follows the three fortune-hunting Wallace sisters as they navigate high society, ambition, and the delicate balance between independence and expectation. Each sister faces her own challenges in a world where marriage can mean security—or sacrifice. Rich with historical detail, it’s a story of sisterhood, strategy, and the pursuit of a life on one’s own terms.

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Travel apps can take the stress out of planning and help you keep everything—flights, hotels, reservations, and directions—in one place. Instead of juggling printed papers or digging through emails, you can have your entire trip neatly organized on your phone or tablet.

If you’re new to travel apps, begin with just one:

Once set up, you can open the app and see your plans for the day in order. In Google Maps, you can also search for a place and tap “Save” to keep it handy for later.

If you prefer something very simple, you can even use your phone’s notes app to list your hotel address, confirmation numbers, and important details.

When you’re comfortable, a few extra features can make your trip easier:

You can also set reminders for check-in times, tours, or transportation so nothing slips through the cracks.

For longer or more complex trips, apps like Roadtrippers can help you plan stops along the way and discover interesting places you might otherwise miss.

A good approach is to keep things simple: one app for your itinerary, one for maps, and one for extras like translation or tickets. With everything in one place, you’ll spend less time organizing—and more time enjoying where you are.

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Unmissable American gem: Manchester, Vermont is a classic New England village surrounded by Green Mountain beauty, known for its quaint shops, historic inns, and inviting countryside that create a cozy and refined escape.

Unscramble the letters to find a famous person, event, or object! Be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a free gift in the mail.

Today’s clue: Dustin Hoffman film about a confused young man.

EHT AETDUGAR

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