We rescue, rehabilitate and when possible release injured and displaced wildlife. The generosity of time and effort from our volunteers help us achieve our mission.
Volunteer abroad over 50
Volunteer and save turtles, make a difference and meet one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Join us in Pacific CR!
Here you'll direct all of your efforts towards the long term rehabilitation of animals. Experience hands-on volunteering with cheetahs, baboons, big cats and much more!
Feel the thrill of swimming with a whale shark, the excitement of spearing the invasive lionfish, and the satisfaction in helping protect coral reefs.
Hands on work with baboons. Care for orphans, facilitate bonding to surrogate baboon mothers, prepare food & milk, clean enclosures and experience life in South Africa.
Join us on a 1 - 8 week jungle adventure to help protect the habitat of the endangered wild Sumatran Orang-Utan and other animals in one of the worlds oldest rainforests!
Care for the children at the baby home that were abandoned or orphaned and give them lots of love and attention until they can return to their relatives or get adopted.
Sloths, as ambassadors of our Costa Rican nature, are a very important part of our program. For this reason, we are passionate about monitoring their population.
As part of our local animal shelter, you'll be responsible for a variety of activities such as feeding, maintenance and engaging with animals!
North Bali based NGO working with volunteers and local communities to restore and protect its coral reef ecosystems.
Our health projects offers a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to become familiar with the challenges and health issues of developing countries.
Volunteer in Africa and help secure the future of the endangered black rhino, cheetah and elephant. Experience daily life on a 10,000 acre family-run private conservancy.
This elephant sanctuary gives refuge to domesticated elephants who have been rescued from a life of working on the streets or logging.
Barefoot Conservation Research Assistants will undertake Manta Ray research & Reef Check surveys, while contributing to our Community Projects, like English Teaching,
Give your contribution towards wildlife monitoring & conservation; learn about animal behaviour, reserve management and anti-poaching while living a lifetime experience!
We need people who love animals and want to support us in rescues, rehabilitation process and medical treatments, also implement enrichment programs for them!
Volunteer at a Creche or Kindergarten in Cape Town with infants and children up to 6 years of age.
Join our team looking after the horses, improving the sanctuary and promoting equine welfare whilst working on your force-free horsemanship skills.
We have a variety of wildlife shelters in country Australia. These shelters rely on volunteer support to help care for the 100s of injured and sick animals.
Our program is a volunteer program designed for volunteers to assist in all tasks like feeding, maintenance and entertaining animals that are living at the shelter.

Volunteer Projects for Seniors and for over 50s
If you think that only young people can volunteer, think again. There’s a whole demographic with time, resources, and invaluable skills. With many people over 50 being more fit than most 20-year-olds nowadays, age should not hold anyone back from volunteering. There are more and more international organizations offering projects that target seniors and retirees to share their experience and life lessons with the world. Head to Africa, America, Europe or Asia for wildlife conservation or development work and share this unique experience with other seniors.
Whether you’re in your twenties or well in your sixties, everyone should be able to volunteer and enjoy the great benefits of volunteering abroad. Learn more about the volunteer opportunities for senior citizens and find out how you can make a difference in Africa, Asia, or South America. Get to know the culture of your volunteer destination and experience this together with your peers who share your passion for wildlife conservation, environmental conservation or community development.
👵🏽 What is volunteer abroad over 50?
As volunteer programs open up volunteering to all age categories, many have created a 50+ volunteering category in their programs. This is to encourage voluntary work abroad for over 50s. This doesn’t mean that you are restricted to these projects, however. You can apply for any program you wish, just get in touch with the program advisor. There are several projects especially those involving, children, community development and teaching that would benefit greatly from more mature volunteers.
💪🏽 The Pros and Cons of volunteering abroad over 50?
You may be over 50 but there’s a world of volunteering opportunities for older adults. If you’re still hesitant about becoming a senior volunteer abroad, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons:
Pros of Volunteering Abroad over 50
- This is your chance to volunteer abroad and contribute to a meaningful cause with other 50+ volunteers.
- Over 50s volunteering overseas will generally be less physically demanding. Knowing others in your age group are taking part in such projects, generally gives most volunteers the confidence to participate.
- It’s a super opportunity to meet and connect with other adventurous 50+ people.
Cons of Volunteering Overseas over 50
- You may prefer to volunteer with younger volunteers.
- You might not find the project you want under the volunteering for over 50s category. That’s totally fine. If you’re confident and eager to join another project that has caught your attention, just contact the program and discuss the possibilities.
Depending on what you would like to do, you can volunteer for any program abroad regardless of your age. It’s a matter of connecting with the program and checking whether there is a match between the requirements of the organization and your skills. The 50+ volunteering category gives those who would like to volunteer with their peers and connect with others within their age group, the chance to do so.
🤔 Why should seniors volunteer abroad?
Many people link volunteering with very young people. This is an outdated assumption, however, and it’s important to acknowledge that there’s an important place in the volunteering landscape for retirees or those over 50 looking for a new challenge. There are more and more organizations worldwide that are dedicated to improving the circumstances of those less fortunate or taking action to protect the environment. All these organizations are in need of helping hands and everyone regardless of their age can contribute.
How will you make a difference?
Volunteer organizations are realizing that while most volunteers are rather young, there’s a huge demographic being left out. A demographic that has a lot more time on their hands but also has (life) experience. No matter what your age is, you can make a meaningful difference and touch the lives of the locals at your volunteer destination or contribute to wildlife conservation. Bring your life experience to the table and impact lives during your volunteer experience abroad. Depending on your passions and skills, select an organization where you can make a difference.
If you have a medical background, there are plenty of programs available in Africa or Asia focused on health care and looking for medical professionals. Retired doctors or healthcare professionals are always in demand. Ex-teachers can put their skills to work in an international setting and learn a thing or two about the new culture.
Grab this chance to help empower local communities in Africa, Asia, South America or Europe and provide the support they need to improve their life’s prospects. Definitely, do your research prior to joining a project. Join a reputable organization that understands the needs of the community and help them achieve their goals.