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Highlands Today

Peace Corps Booming Again?

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Lyn and Bill Roche

Published: November 16, 2007

Lillian Carter, or Miss Lillian, as most Americans called President Carter's mother, was 67 years old when she applied to the Peace Corps. That was some 40 years ago and she literally had to have her head examined before she was accepted.

Fortunately, she came through the psychiatric assessment with flying colors and paved the way for recognition of the tremendous value of seniors being part of the Peace Corps.

Most boomers and beyonds can remember the establishment of the Peace Corps by President Kennedy in 1961. According to a Peace Corps Online article, at its peak in the 1960s, there were 15,500 volunteers, with only 1 percent over age 50. In 2006, with 7,810 people serving worldwide, 6 percent were 50 or older.

To tap into the experience and wisdom of seniors, the Peace Corps today has fashioned marketing materials and recruitment events targeting citizens over the age of 50. Some would say they are particularly focused on recruiting baby boomers.

Currently, boomers are 43 to 61 years old. Many joined the Peace Corps following their college days. Some want to serve again. They look back on the Peace Corps as the best years of their lives, remembering the motto, "It's the toughest job you'll ever love." Others, who didn't join back then, wish they had.

According to "Peace Corps Welcomes Elderly" written by Korky Vann for the Hartford Courant in October 2006, "Hundreds of volunteers in their 50s, 60s, 70s and even 80s serve as Peace Corps volunteers in 75 countries."

Although, boomers have an aversion to the word "elderly," all seniors have the opportunity to join-up. There is no upper age limit for being a member of the Peace Corps. It's never too late to apply.

We checked out www.peacecorps.gov and soon learned some basics of Peace Corps service, which consists of 27 months (three months training and 24 serving overseas.) Full medical coverage during service and affordable health insurance for up to 18 months following service is provided.

All applicants must pass the Peace Corps medical screening process and it can take nine to 12 months once an application is rendered to find out if you're accepted. The site states, "During service, volunteers receive vacation time, pay and living expenses, deferment of student loans, and transportation to and from the country of service."

Vacation time is defined as, "Two days per month, which makes a total of 48 days over two years. Many use the time to travel in nearby countries and some visit home – at their own expense."

Any citizen of the U.S. who is 18 years of age or older can apply. Preliminary application can be made online. Before applying however, taking the online "Am I Qualified?" quiz is recommended. Married couples who apply together, serve together.

We learned about upcoming recruiting events and information sessions by entering our state. For anyone interested, one will be held Nov. 27 from 6-7 p.m. on the campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville. For more information, call 352-273-1530.

Is the Peace Corps looking for a few hundred good boomers and beyonds? Apparently. Serious pitches are being made to the older crowd. The current oldest volunteer is 79 years old.

Obviously, joining the Peace Corps is not for everyone. However, for many seniors, it could be a marvelous opportunity and a way to continue making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Lyn and Bill live in Highlands Ridge. They're the authors of Coping With Caring and Sharing The Care. Visit their websites www.boomersandbeyondthecolumn.com www.thecaregiverscaregiver.com and www.journeybookstore.com

©2007 Journey Publications

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