As we navigate life in our sixties, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the legacy we want to leave and the impact we can have beyond our immediate circle. A bucket list, often seen as a collection of personal ambitions and travel dreams, can also include meaningful ways to give back to our communities. In fact, there’s something deeply rewarding about making social connection and contribution part of our plans for this next chapter. 

Volunteering is one of the most accessible and impactful ways to give back. Whether it’s helping out at a local food bank, reading with schoolchildren, walking dogs for an animal shelter, or supporting arts and heritage events, volunteering can offer a sense of purpose, community and structure to your week. Many organisations welcome the wealth of experience, stability, and compassion that older adults bring to the table. It’s a two-way street. While you’re offering your time and energy, you’re also gaining friendship, new skills, and a stronger sense of belonging. 

For those who’ve spent years building a career, mentoring might be a natural extension. Sharing your professional insights with younger people starting out can be incredibly valuable. You might find opportunities through schools, local business forums, or dedicated mentoring programmes. Whether it’s helping someone with their CV or guiding them through the early stages of their career, your lived experience can make a real difference. 

You might also consider more strategic roles such as becoming a trustee of a charity. These roles draw on leadership and organisational skills and can be a great way to stay engaged with causes you care about. Charities and community groups often need trustees with a broad range of knowledge—from finance to HR, governance to communications. It’s a role with real responsibility, but one that many people find deeply rewarding. 

Getting involved in your neighbourhood is another great option. Whether it’s helping to organise a local festival, joining a community gardening group, or even starting a book club, small initiatives can help build strong, resilient communities and offer real social connection. 

Not every contribution needs to be formal. Acts of kindness, supporting a neighbour, or taking the time to listen to someone who’s lonely are just as important. If there’s a cause close to your heart, there’s almost certainly a way to get involved. And these connections often lead to friendships and opportunities you’d never have imagined when you first began. 

At TurningSixty, we believe your bucket list can be as much about giving as it is about getting. As we age, our capacity to make a difference doesn’t diminish—it can, in many ways, increase. We have time, perspective, and empathy that can help others in a unique way. So if you’re thinking about what comes next, consider adding some social goals to your bucket list. 

Not only will you enrich the lives of others, but you’ll find your own life enriched in the process. 

Sources

Getting started with volunteering NCVO
Find trustee opportunities Reach Volunteering
How to volunteer in later life Age UK