Retirement is supposed to feel like freedom. So why does “older and wiser” sometimes feel like isolation?

We may live alone. We sometimes move away from family or leave behind decades of colleagues. The daily structure that once organized our lives — meetings, deadlines, water cooler conversations — has vanished. In a time of increasing division and uncertainty, it’s easy to retreat into our own bubbles. But thousands of Estes Valley residents fight that isolation in the most effective way possible: they’re volunteering. There are well-documented health benefits to increased social connection, too: greater contentment, well-being, immune resistance, and heart health — all powerful outcomes.

This town is full of what I call “fake-retirees” — people who left their careers but can’t seem to stop working. They’re driven to do high-value work without a paycheck. Nancy Almond is one of them. Former longtime executive director of EVICS, she now volunteers her time.

“It is a very gratifying feeling when you see the impact volunteers have,” Almond said. “So much of what makes our community a great place to live is the result of volunteer efforts. I just enjoy being a part of that, and since I retired, I now have the time to do it.”

What draws people to volunteer varies as much as the opportunities themselves.

For some, it’s about belonging. It’s no surprise that the Estes Park Newcomers Club is one of the largest membership organizations in town; members can give back through volunteerism, but they also belong to something. Similarly, individuals who volunteer with Rocky Mountain National Park or Rocky Mountain Conservancy join a community of outdoor enthusiasts and backcountry stewards united by shared purpose.

Mary Banken found her people at American Legion Post 119. She knows she can’t solve the world’s problems, but that’s not the point. “I’m not in a position to fix major issues,” she said, “but I can at least make life within my community a little bit better. I’m gratified by spending time with like-minded people who share their good fortunes.”

For others, personal experience becomes purpose. Living through dementia, hunger, or domestic violence — or witnessing someone else endure it — often compels us to act. That’s why volunteers show up at the Estes Dementia Day Center, Crossroads Assistance Ministry, and Estes Valley Crisis Advocates. Life can offer us hard knocks, and alleviating others’ struggles can be exceptionally rewarding. Scientists even have a name for it: “helper’s high,” the lasting sense of well-being that comes from easing someone else’s burden.

In this community, floods and fires have repeatedly shown us what it means to reach out to neighbors. The Estes Valley Watershed Coalition was born from the 2013 Big Thompson flood and continues to tend our waterways and collaborate on fire mitigation projects. Volunteering is one of the most direct expressions of empathy and social responsibility we have.

And then there are those motivated by skills. Retirement changes schedules and strips away professional commitments, but it doesn’t erase expertise. Habitat for Humanity of St. Vrain Valley constantly needs “Bob the Builder” volunteers to chip away at our workforce housing shortage. AARP Tax Aides offer guidance through the labyrinth of tax codes. Flinch Forward provides opportunities for veterans who serve, have served, or want to serve. If you’re looking for an outlet for professional skills or hobbies, there are roles aplenty.

Some volunteers are driven by justice and systems change. The League of Women Voters’ Estes Park Recycling Committee works to make lasting structural improvements. While most nonprofits in town serve local people and spaces, some reach further afield: HELP Inc Fund improves health, education, and livelihoods for marginalized people in the Western Himalayas. Just last year, a group of Sunrise Rotarians traveled to a remote Amazon village to install a safe-water distribution system. Both efforts empower women and children through increased access to education and health resources.

Chuck Bonza, who recently served as “Big Duck” for the Estes Park Duck Race, has watched nonprofit executive directors struggle with a persistent tension: time spent raising money versus delivering the mission. He encourages everyone to help “increase the health and vitality of Estes Valley by volunteering to deliver the services of over 70 nonprofits, which are so phenomenal.”

The tension between fundraising and executing the mission is real and can not be understated. This is confirmed by the 2024 Estes Valley Economic Impact Report: 55 of the 72 local nonprofits rely on volunteers, most commonly to support events, fundraisers, and programs. However, emergency and human services nonprofits make extensive use of volunteers and have consistent, ongoing reliance on their hours of service.

Not only do volunteers show up to help, but 60 percent of local nonprofits are also led by volunteers. At the time of the study, a volunteer hour was valued at over $36 in Colorado. That means the total value of volunteer worth (annually) in this community exceeds $8.2 million. There is no doubt that volunteering is a critical part of the Estes Valley’s nonprofit economic powerhouse.

The Estes Valley has one of the highest concentrations of nonprofits per capita in the state, so there is no lack of opportunities. Volunteering is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. It cuts across cultures, ages, and backgrounds to unite people in meaningful action. It might take a couple of tries to find the right fit, but if you don’t already volunteer, give it a try. The Estes Nonprofit Network maintains a list of local nonprofits, their missions, and contact information at epnonprofit.org/find-a-nonprofit. Ask a friend about their experience and consider what motivates you to get up and go give.